Every roofing system needs a ventilation system to prevent damage from trapped heat and moisture. While homeowners are not required to install ventilation systems, knowing how they work can help with making informed decisions. In today’s post, local home improvement contractor Renovation Team shares a quick guide to how roofing ventilation works.
The natural rising movement of warm and humid air causes it to gather at the highest point of the house — the attic. Unvented, heat and moisture can cause problems that result in damage to the roof. Framing and decking, which are typically made of wood, become susceptible to rot and warping. Attic insulation forms clumps when wet. Mold can grow unseen, and may spread to other parts of the house. A poorly-insulated roof may form ice dams as the trapped heat raises the roof’s temperature in winter.
These problems emphasize the need for a roofing ventilation system. Flushing heat and humidity from the attic helps maintain the roof’s condition and prevent problems that would require the attention of a residential roofing services contractor.
There are two main types of roofing ventilation systems: passive and mechanical. Passive ventilation is the most common of the two, as it only requires exhaust vents at the highest point of the roof (typically the ridges), and intake vents at the lowest. The natural rising motion of warm air creates airflow that releases it through the exhaust vents, in turn creating negative pressure that pulls fresh air through the intake vents. Some passive systems can be aided by enclosures or non-mechanical moving parts.
Mechanical or active ventilation systems use fans or blowers to create airflow. Large attics and industrial sloped roofs are among the types of roofing that require mechanical systems. Simple exhaust fans can be switched on manually, or be equipped with a thermostat that turns the fans on at certain temperatures.
Roofs with ventilation issues can be corrected after the fact. It could be as simple as widening the ridge points and installing strips of material called ridge vents, or it could necessitate the installation of multiple exhaust fans. A thorough inspection, conducted by a roofing professional, will help you determine the ventilation system that’s right for your roof.
Whether you need roofing or exterior siding installation services, your contractors at Renovation Team can help. Give us a call at (636) 939-1061, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve communities in St. Louis and St. Charles, MO.