Don’t forget that ensuring your roof is well-ventilated is just as important as choosing the right kind of roofing material. Without adequate ventilation, moisture is trapped in your roof and attic and cause mold and mildew to form. Remember: damp environments are the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.
What are the other things you should know about roof and attic ventilation? The residential and commercial roofing contractors at Hinkle Roofing lists them here.
More Ventilation Isn’t Necessarily Better
The more air vents, the better, right? Well, not exactly. The airflow in your roof or attic should be balanced. If there are too many or too few exhaust or intake vents than necessary they can disrupt indoor airflow.
How many vents does your attic need? It depends on the attic floor space. In general, there should be a square foot of net free area (NFA) (the area through which air can pass through) for every 300 square feet of floor area for attics with a vapor barrier. And if your attic doesn’t have a vapor barrier, it will need a square foot of NFA for every 150 square feet of attic floor space.
The Type of Air Vent You Install Matters
Not all air vents can provide the same level of ventilation. Here’s an overview of the different types of vents:
Box vents – Box vents are found near the top of the roof. They don’t provide a lot of venting space, so you’ll need to install several of them. However, they’re not the best choice if you’re concerned about your home’s curb appeal, as they tend to draw attention to themselves.
Ridge vents – Ridge vents have more venting capacity than box vents. And since they run along the roof peak, they don’t draw attention to themselves. Ridge vents are often installed on shingle roofs.
Turbine vents – Turbine vents’ top spins on ball bearings and relies on wind to draw out humid air.
Having trouble deciding which vent’s the right one for your roof? Consult a residential or commercial roofing contractor.
Looking for roofers near you?
Hinkle Roofing is one of the most experienced roofing companies in the Birmingham area. We’ve been serving local residents since 1908. To request a free estimate, call us at (205) 324-8545 or fill out this form.
