The advantages of roof ventilation

When roofs blow down or become substantially damaged many people put this down to poor materials or poor workmanship. While either might be true it is often the case that there was inadequate roof ventilation fitted. Not having the correct roof ventilation or the right level of roof ventilation can reduce the roof's lifespan. An average home produces four to five pounds of water vapor per day and if the home has poor roof ventilation this means the vapor has nowhere to go. Instead it forms condensation on the wooden boards of the roof causing them to buckle, twist and contort. In turn, poor ventilation leads to a greater chance of wind damage and increased occurrences of inexplicable falling shingles or tiles.

There are two parts to effective roof ventilation

Good quality roof ventilation consists of an exhaust as well as an intake. The temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the roof can be massive and only through using an intake and an outlet can these temperatures be brought to a consistent level. Only having one type of roof ventilation is the equivalent of having no roof ventilation whatsoever and in some cases it can actually cause more damage to have only one than to have neither.

Different types of roof ventilation

There are several methods of providing adequate roof ventilation and more is better. Each type of roof ventilation has positives and negatives so consult with your roofing contractor and decide between you which is likely to be the better decision for your home in terms of both effectiveness and aesthetics. Having adequate roof ventilation can be the difference between a long lasting roof and having to replace it every ten years or so.

Two effective types of roof ventilation

Dormer vents are one of the more commonly used forms of roof ventilation because they are relatively easy to fit and they can be installed at the back of the house where they will be inconspicuous. They give the perfect combination of adequate roof ventilation without being an eye sore. Possibly the most effective method is through the use of turbine ventilators. However they can look ugly when placed on your roof and become difficult to look after once they've been installed for any length of time.

October, 2005

Copyright 2005 Roofer 911.com. All Rights Reserved

by Steven Briesemeister. Reprinted courtesy of Roofer 911.com, roofing contractor serving Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, NY and northern Virginia.