The Basics of Roofing Ventilation

Not many people consider roof ventilation as an important part of residential roofing systems. In this blog, Howard Roofing & Home Improvements discuss how roof ventilation works, and why it is important for your roof to be properly ventilated.

How Roof Ventilation Works

Roof ventilation requires airflow within the attic, and there are two ways to do create airflow:

Natural or passive ventilation utilizes properly-placed vents to allow air movement. Hot air tends to rise and create higher pressure at higher points in the attic, resulting in a stack effect. Exhaust vents at the ridge allow hot air to escape, which creates negative pressure that pulls fresh air through intake vents at the soffits. As this cycle repeats, airflow is created. This process may sometimes be accelerated by wind from the outside.

On the other hand, mechanical or active ventilation is used on large roofing systems where passive ventilation does not suffice. It utilizes exhaust fans to forcibly release hot air. Typically, exhaust fans are powered through electrical means, though solar-powered options are also available.

The Benefits of Proper Roof Ventilation

A properly ventilated roof provides the following benefits:

  1. It Prevents Ice Damming — Ice dams are formed when the roof temperature is raised above freezing level and melts the snow on the roof. As the melted snow flows to the roof edge, it refreezes, which eventually forms ice dams. Proper ventilation, along with attic insulation, helps prevent ice dams by venting heat through proper channels.
  2. It Helps Improve Energy Efficiency — Trapped heat in the attic can raise your home’s indoor cooling requirements as the days get hotter. Ventilation helps eliminate the excess heat, and therefore help keep your indoor cooling costs to a minimum.
  3. It Helps Keep Your Roofing In Good Shape — Heat and moisture can warp or otherwise damage important components of the roofing structure, which may later lead to costly repairs. Proper ventilation helps prevent this kind of damage to the roof.

Howard Roofing & Home Improvements is your leading provider of residential and commercial roofing services. Give us a call at (636) 296-1057 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas.