Roof ventilation is necessary in all climates and all seasons, but for different reasons. In hot climates and in the summer time, ventilation is key to allow all the hot air that would otherwise become trapped in the attic an escape. Hot air that isn’t properly vented can cause extra work for your air conditioning system and increase your energy bills. Of course, the ceiling in your home must be airtight and insulated well in order for roof ventilation to work properly or else all the air you are cooling down in your home will escape as well. Hot air in your attic can also scorch your shingles if it gets too warm requiring you to repair or replace them.

In cold areas during the winter proper roof ventilation is needed to keep moisture out of the attic. If moisture gets trapped in your home it can eventually lead to rot or mold, which is very costly and time consuming to get rid of. You also want ventilation in the cold so that the roof stays the same temperature as the outdoor. This will help to prevent ice dams which are caused when the snow on the roof melts because of the warm air escaping your house.

No matter what type of climate you live in, ventilation will ultimately help keep your roof in good shape. Allowing your roof to remain the same temperature as the air outside will prevent a lot of these problems and prolong the life of your roof. There are different types of vents including roof turbine at the top of the roof which spins with the wind to pull hot air from your house, ridge vents at the top of the roof or intake vents above the eaves or soffits, which allow the air to escape. The common recommendation is that you should have 1-square foot of ventilation for every 300-square foot of ceiling space. If you fear your roof may not be properly vented give a trusted roofing company like Roof Advance a call today.