Different Types of Roof Vents
The most important part of your home is the roof. It protects you from the rain, the snow and anything else that Mother Nature dishes out. Without it, we are left out in the cold - literally. When building, or buying, a home, it's important to make sure that the roof is in good shape. One of the most important aspects of roofing is adequate ventilation.
Potential Problems
The lack of ventilation causes moisture to build up and possibly cause structural problems with the roof. Ensuring that your roof is properly ventilated will increase the life of your roof and promote the safety of everyone in your home. In addition, built up moisture and heat may cause extra cooling expenses, which raises energy costs. In cold weather moisture can cause ice dams and other problems, including rotting and fungus.
Different Types of Roof Vents and Roof Ventilation
There are various types of roof vents available, including Dormer and Turbine. The most important thing to consider, when choosing one, is the actual ventilation system. Proper ventilation systems will consist of the following two types of vents:
- Intake Vents will allow fresh air to get into the attic.
- Exhaust Vents allow air to leave the attic.
In order for any ventilation system to work, both intake and exhaust vents must be installed. When properly installed, the ventilation system will allow fresh air to enter the home while sending other air outside.
Calling The Professionals
Depending upon the area in which you live, a professional roofing contractor will be able to advise you on the different types of roof vents and which is more suitable for your home. Certain types of roof vents are better than others, depending on the roof's structure or style. Cathedral roofs, for example, would require a ridge vent for proper ventilation whereas some homes would be better suited with a turbine vent, which has a free spinning top allowing air to flow out.
Different Types of Roof Vents and Roof Longevity
If a roof is properly ventilated, it can increase the longevity of its structure. This could save big bucks in the future by not having to purchase a whole new roof. If a home is not properly ventilated, the moist air has nowhere to go. As it sits inside the home, it will begin to cause damage little by little. Although it may not be noticeable at first, time will show that damage is occurring and, the longer a roof goes without proper ventilation, the worse effect it will have on the structure of your home.
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.