Spring Roof Replacement and Proper Attic Ventilation

Spring roof replacement can improve your attic ventilation. A roof replacement project must thoroughly examine the home’s intake ventilation while installing proper outtake ventilation that allows the house to breathe.

What is attic ventilation?
Attic ventilation refers to the way the attic is designed to improve its overall ventilation. A well-ventilated attic can improve the home’s overall air circulation while reducing your annual energy costs. It also improves the life of the roof.

 Why is attic ventilation important?
Proper attic ventilation can:

●       Keep your home cool, reducing overall energy costs.

●       Prevents a moisture build-up that causes wood rot and mold formation.

●       Protect and extend the lifespan of the roofing materials.

●       Prevents ice dam formation in the winter.

Types of Attic Ventilation
The types of attic ventilation include:

Vents:
Roof vents, both outtake and intake types, can improve attic ventilation.

 Outtake vents:
They remove stale indoor air from the attic, improving indoor air quality. 

 They include:

●       Ridge vent: The vents are placed at the roof’s ridge where the roof planes meet, forming a peak.

●       Static, low profile, or turtle vents: They are non-motorized vents installed at the roof’s ridge to draw air from the attic.

●       Turbine vent: The vents help airflow into the attic when the wind turns the turbines.

●       Powered vent: The vents are controlled by a thermostat or a moisture monitor. The vent’s blades spin till the right temperature is reached, after which it shuts off.

Intake vents:

They allow the drawing of outside air to improve indoor ventilation.

They include:

●       Intake vents: They are soffit vents installed under the roof overhang.

●       Edge vents: They are water-resistant vents that stick out three inches from the roof’s edge.

Attic fans:

Attic fans are mechanical devices used to cool and ventilate the attic. They can be installed subject to considerations like:

●       Attic fan cost: The fan’s cost depends on the size and brand.

●       Attic fan type: Attic fans can be whole-house or gable-mounted. Whole house fans are installed on the attic floor, and they pull air through the vents. In contrast, gable-mounted fans are installed in the roof’s gable ( the triangular portion).

●       Attic fan size: The square footage of the attic must be measured before deciding on the attic fan size.

●       Solar-powered: The sun’s energy is used to power the fan, reducing energy bills. An example is this Quiet Cool 14" Solar Attic Fan 40 W Panel (1092 CFM).

If you’re getting your roof replaced this spring, don’t forget the importance of having proper attic ventilation.