When it comes to the house attic, many people tend to think that insulation is the only thing that matters. However, ventilation is equally, if not even more important.
While it might be tempting to think that ventilating your attic is somewhat counter-intuitive, given that you’re trying to keep heat in, not doing so can be catastrophic for your home and your personal safety.
Proper attic ventilation is essential for a number of reasons. If you’re wondering why roof ventilation options need to be considered for every home, and how it actually works, read this guide to find out.
Why Attic Ventilation Matters
Having attic vents installed isn’t just an optional extra. It’s a necessity. An attic vent serves two important functions: it allows hot air to escape and allows cool, fresh air to enter the attic.
If you don’t have a proper roof exhaust vent, there are a number of problems that can occur. For one, if hot air can’t escape your attic, then heat and moisture will rapidly build up in there, especially during the summer months.
The moisture will likely lead to the rotting of timber frames and support beams, which can, over time, lead to the collapse of the foundations. Heat buildup caused by a lack of ventilation can also cause severe damage to roof shingles, necessitating expensive repairs.
In addition, a lack of ventilation in the winter months can cause the snow on the roof to melt, leading to the formation of an ice sheet. This has the potential to destroy the roof shingles and cause holes to appear in your roof.
Attic ventilation is also important for energy efficiency. An attic vent fan lets cool air into your home during the summer months. This means that your air conditioner doesn’t need to work as hard to keep your home cool.
The result is a lower energy bill for you and your family.
How Attic Ventilation Works
Now that you know the benefits, it’s time to learn about how the different roof ventilation options actually work. One thing work noting is that they don’t actually take up a lot of space in your home.
The US Federal Housing Association recommends one square foot of ventilation space for every 300 square feet of attic space.
The most popular types of vents, such as ridge vents, intake vents, and exhaust vents, are so compact that they are barely noticeable from the outside. They all work by taking the hot air that rises to the top of the attic and letting it out via the exhaust.
They also have a separate channel designed to funnel cool air into the attic when needed.
The result is a balanced temperature and normal levels of heat pressure all year-round. Attic vents covers are also available to add extra protection when needed.
Get Ventilated Today
Now that you know why attic ventilation is essential for your home, it’s time to get ventilated. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team of roofers today to find out exactly how to ensure proper ventilation for your home, every day of the year.