Any home or business’s roof is not complete without proper ventilation, as roof ventilation exists to provide adequate airflow throughout the entire building. Beyond airflow, roof ventilation also helps with roof longevity and energy efficiency. But what else can you expect from proper roof ventilation? How can ventilation like this impact your home during the summer and winter? What are the additional benefits of roof ventilation?
The team at Austermiller Roofing has your answer to these questions and more below – consider this your guide to proper roof ventilation.
What is Roof Ventilation?
In simple terms, roof ventilation is a system installed near the roof’s ridges to allow air to flow in and out of the house or building through the attic’s area, and it is also a key component of HVAC systems. There are different types of systems used for ventilation on residential and commercial roofs, but all with the same goal: to keep air moving!
Residential Ventilation
Two main components of a residential roof ventilation system are its intake vents and exhaust vents. Intake vents are what they sound like; they “take in” or bring fresh air into the attic space. Fresh air like this helps to keep the attic space cool and helps to control moisture buildup. Conversely, exhaust vents work to push hot air in the attic back outside. Keeping hot air build-up out of the attic helps to keep the overall temperature of the house more comfortable and can prevent your energy costs from increasing.
Intake vents are placed at the lowest part of the roof, while the exhaust vents are located at the highest part of the roof, usually near the ridge.
Different Types of Residential Ventilation Systems
There are two different types of ventilation systems to choose from: a natural system and a mechanical one. The main difference between the two systems is:
- Natural ventilation system: Works to keep air flowing in and out of the attic space with the help of low openings, like soffit vents, and high openings, like ridge vents.
- Mechanical ventilation system: Works to keep air flowing in and out of the attic space with the help of powered fans and or vents, like exhaust vents.
Both natural and mechanical ventilation systems have the same goal: to keep the air in the attic consistently moving. However, deciding between a natural or mechanical ventilation system is entirely up to the homeowner, since they need to consider factors like their local climate or roof design.
Since residential ventilation systems that include exhaust vents can be seen externally on the roof, there are different designs to choose from to meet the aesthetic desires of a home better. Your roofer will be able to share other options to better meet the look you want, from modern to traditional.
Commercial Ventilation
While commercial roof ventilation is similar to residential roof ventilation, the key difference is the amount of complexity and power that goes into commercial roof ventilation. A majority of commercial roofs use either active, passive, or mixed ventilation systems to better serve their buildings.
Here is a better breakdown of what these types of systems in relation to commercial roof ventilation look like:
- Active ventilation: Active ventilation systems can include either power vents, to create constant airflow, or turbine vents, which are wind powered to create airflow.
- Passive ventilation: Passive ventilation utilizes wind or change in temperature to circulate air, without using mechanical systems like fans.
- Mixed ventilation: Mixed ventilation systems are systems that use power vents and passive vents collectively.
Impact of Poor Ventilation to a Roof
So, what would happen if your home or business did not have proper ventilation? The answer to this is more than minor complications. In fact, poor ventilation can have major repercussions that can cost you both time and money to restore. Here is the impact that poor ventilation could have on a roof:
- Moisture buildup: Without the right systems in place to constantly circulate air in the attic, the chances of moisture buildup occurring will increase. Moisture buildup can lead to mold growth and wood rot, which can lead to further problems down the road, like poor structural integrity.
- High energy cost: If there is no way for air to escape and enter, such as through vents, then it can be hard to maintain comfortable temperature levels in the home. This alone can cause energy bills to increase due to needing to blast the heat or air in the building, but it can be easily avoided with proper roof ventilation!
- Damaged roof: When moisture is trapped in the attic, it can build up, not only creating mold but also impacting the structure of the roof. Even one damaged location on the roof can warrant a repair, and if not repaired quickly, it can cause further damage along the roof.
- Pest infestation: Moisture can also attract pests to visit and make a home in your attic. If these little critters find the right openings in poorly ventilated roofs with the right amount of moisture, then they may end up deciding to stay a bit longer!
What Are Signs of Improper Roof Ventilation on a Roof?
Some signs to look out for that can indicate your roof is improperly ventilated includes:
- Warmer temperatures upstairs or near the top of the building
- Damage to the roof or missing shingles
- Ice dams developing during winter months
- Higher energy bills
- Interior and/or exterior paint peeling
If you think, but are not sure, that your home or business’s roof has a compromised ventilation system, the first step is to connect with an Austermiller roofer for a free roof consultation. From there, we can determine what repairs and installations are needed for your roof.
Proper Ventilation in Summer Heat
Did you know that during the summer months, there is a proper way to ventilate your home to keep your home’s temperature comfortable? Yes! This can be achieved in a few ways:
- Open windows or doors for fresh air to circulate in the morning or evening when it is typically the coolest outside.
- Keep hot air out during the day by keeping windows and doors closed, which helps to keep the inside air to cooler and more comfortable temperatures.
- Keep ceiling fans on to help circulate air and keep cool when needed.
- Curtains and blinds on windows can also be helpful to keep the sun’s heat away from raising indoor temperatures.
Ensuring you are ventilating your home correctly in the summertime will ultimately keep you comfortable but can keep energy costs low, too.
Let Austermiller Roofing Meet Your Roof Ventilation Needs
When the right roof ventilation system is in place on your home or commercial property, then you can rest assured that things such as your roof and your energy cost are also in the right place!
At Austermiller, our goal is to make owning a home or business less complicated by taking on all things roof-related. From roof repairs to roof ventilation installation, we have you
covered at Austermiller, Inc. in Nashville, Tennessee.
Connect with us today to learn more about roof ventilation, if your roof has the right ventilation system in place, or if you have any roof-related questions. We also offer free roof inspections if you’re not sure where to begin when tackling a roofing project.
We look forward to connecting with you and helping you with any of your roofing needs!