With so many types of roof vents to choose from it can become a bit of a head-scratcher. Today we make it a bit easier for you with our roof vents breakdown! Read below for more…
Getting Started With Types of Roof Vents
When having a new roof installed, there are lots of different things that you have to consider. One thing you may not have thought of is the types of roof vents that you may need. When these are chosen and installed correctly, you’ll see that your roof will be much better at managing heat and moisture. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Are Vents So Important?
Firstly, you need to know just why you need those vents in your attic. Why is it so important that you have them installed? It’s very tempting for some homeowners to try and skip them, especially as it’s ‘just’ the attic space.
The thing is, your roof decking is going to be exposed to the air in your attic space. If it’s well ventilated, then the heat and moisture is managed and there won’t be any problems. If there isn’t ventilation, then hot air and moisture build up over time. That leads to all kinds of issues, including mold and mildew in your attic. When they build up, it’ll lead to damage and if it’s severe enough, it can even lead to you needing a new roof.
There’s also the issue of heating and cooling your home. Heat will rise in your home, and if there isn’t adequate insulation in your home then the heat will be trapped in the attic. In the warmer months, you’ll have to pay more in energy bills, as you’ll be working harder to keep the house cool.
This is something you want to consider when you’re trying to keep energy prices down in your home. If you’re looking to be more eco-friendly, having the right vents is crucial.
As such, you can see that proper ventilation is more important than you’d think. It keeps the attic cooler, drier, and allows pressurized air to escape.
How Vents Work
So, how do roof vents work to protect your attic and roof as a whole? Imagine your house with the windows and front door open. If you’ve left the door open to bring in groceries, you may find that it slams shut behind you.
That happens because the house was ventilating. Air was leaving through the windows, and when you opened the front door you allowed new air in. This is what happens when you install vents in your roof. You start with exhaust vents, that release the air that rises to the attic to the outside. Then, intake vents allow new air from outside into the attic, filling the vacuum that was left behind.
It’s important that you have the right number of both intake and exhaust vents, to get the right effect. Not having enough of one or the other can create situations where pressurized air is pushed into the living spaces, which you’ll want to avoid. When you have the roofing vents installed, your installers can help you get the right amount for your roof to avoid this happening.
Types Of Roof Vents
The main two types of vents are intake and exhaust vents, but there are several different models for each. Here’s what’s available to you, and how they’d work for your home.
Intake Vents
- Soffit vents: As the name implies, these vents sit underneath the roof eaves, and typically run all the way along the roofline. When you have these, they should be enough to provide the right amount of airflow into the attic.
If you have blown-in insulation, you’ll need to ensure that it doesn’t block these vents and cause issues with the ventilation.
- Roof intake vents: These are the other option you have for intake vents and are most commonly used when there’s no soffit or exposed rafters on your roof. These sit on the top of the roof and will allow air to flow in. They have a low profile, so they won’t be obvious from the ground. They’re often made to blend in with whatever type of roof you have.
Exhaust Vents
Ridge vents: These vents, as the name implies, sit on the very top of the roof at the ridge. They usually sit where two sloping portions of the roof meet. They’re good for catching the wind as it blows across the roof, which helps pull heated and moist air out of the attic and away into the atmosphere.
Static roof vents: These are also known as roof louvers, and they are installed flat on the roof, near, the ridge. You’ll also see them called slant backs, box vents, turtle vents, half rounds, and off ridge vents. Their placement allows air to easily escape the roof.
Wind turbines: You may have seen these on some roofs. They are made up of a circular unit with blades built into it. As the wind blows, it turns them like a fan. That allows the air in the attic to be drawn out and away.
Attic fans: These sit inside the attic, on a wall. They have powered devices that draw the hot, humid air out, much like a wind turbine does. However, they can be turned on and off as needed by the homeowner.
Powered roof vents: These work in the same way as attic fans, except they sit on top of the roof. They’re a powerful option, and if you use them you’ll need to account for more intake ventilation, so you have equalized pressure in your attic. Your installers can help calculate the balance between intake and exhaust fans for you.
Gable Vents: A gable vent can actually work as both an intake and exhaust vent, depending on the wind direction and where they’re installed. They may be the right option for you, so ask your installers.
Wrapping Up Types of Roof Vents
This is all the basics you need to know about types of roof vents. When you have them installed correctly, you’ll be able to allow for proper airflow in your roof and ensure that you have lower energy bills, and less chance of issues coming from hot, humid air in the attic.
