Spotting Roof Trouble Early

4 Common Misconceptions About Roofing Ventilation

4 June 2015 by William Gerard

Ventilation is required in your attic not just for the attic space, but for your building as well. If you don't have good ventilation, your roof will experience a lot of issues. However, there are also some misconceptions when it comes to ventilation. Here are the misconceptions you should know in order to get the best ventilation possible.

You only need a roof vent in a hot climate

This is a common misconception that is going to result in sufficient building repairs. You don't only need roof ventilation to get rid of warm air in the summer, though this is definitely a bonus. A more important benefit to having proper roof ventilation is to reduce the excess moisture and humidity in your attic. With these vents, you can prevent the moisture from building up and causing mold and mildew. It also helps to keep the attic at a reasonable temperature to avoid ice dams from forming in the winter.

The more attic ventilation, the better

Another misconception about roofing ventilation is that the more ventilation you have in your attic, the better you will be. While it is good to have sufficient ventilation, going overboard isn't going to benefit you much. Just like when you choose the right size furnace for your home or make sure you have good air circulation, you need to have the right amount of venting for the size of your building. Consult with a roofing contractor for more information, or to discuss how many roof vents and what type of attic ventilation you need.

Roof vents equal roof ventilation

Just because you see vents on your roof doesn't mean you actually have roof ventilation. Not all roof vents serve the same function, and some of them don't work well on their own. The best ventilation for your roof is a combination of vents, such as having a gable vent, ridge vents, and soffit vents. Some vents pull cool air in, while others push hot air and moisture out, so a combination of vents is going to be the best option.

Roof vents remove warm air when it's cold

Roof vents provide a lot of great benefits for your building, but they don't remove precious warm air you need in the winter. Don't avoid getting them because you think it will be bad for energy efficiency. If your furnace and building insulation are working properly, you should not get heat in your attic in the first place. If you believe you are losing heat, it is probably not from the roof vents, but from a crack in the foundation or gaps in your windows or doors. 

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