FAQs About Roof and Attic Ventilation

Why is roof ventilation important? Roofing services include more than just repairing damage and replacing missing shingles. Ventilation is a crucial part of your roof's design that you need to address. If your attic does not have good airflow or you are just not sure whether your roof is ventilated, take a look at what you need to know about this issue.

What Is Roof Ventilation?

Ventilation is a system that provides or improves airflow in an enclosed indoor space. Roof ventilation refers to the vents and other structures that help to maintain airflow or circulation in the attic space.

Good roof ventilation starts with adequate intake at the soffit. The air travels into the soffit and up into the attic, exhausting out the roof vents. Most homes do not have proper intake. We can evaluate this for you.

Why Are Roof Vents Necessary?

Do you think of your home's roof as one solid system that protects everything under it from the elements? While this is true, your roof does need a way for the air inside to escape and the air outdoors to get in.

Without the ability to allow some air in and out, your roof will not have the necessary amount of ventilation. Lack of proper roof ventilation can reduce the risks of overheating (in the attic space), decrease moisture levels, and may even help to lower your home's energy usage.

Not only can roof ventilation decrease general risks (such as overheating and moisture), but it can also make it less likely that your roof will fail prematurely from rot or grow mold.

Without enough ventilation, the excess heat and humidity that builds up in the attic space creates the perfect environment for mold to thrive in your home. While you may never see the mold inside of an unused attic space, you will smell and could feel the results.

Some people, especially those with asthma, may have more severe respiratory reactions to mold growth. This makes it important to ventilate your home well. The proper amount of roof ventilation can decrease the humidity level in the attic and prevent mold from growing.

Can Roof Ventilation Save You Money?

Yes, it is possible that roof ventilation can save you money over time. There are a few ways that proper ventilation can help you reduce your overall home use or home improvement costs.

Good ventilation will cause your roof decking to last much longer by reducing moisture in the attic with proper ventilation. If the decking never airs out and is always covered with moisture, it will delaminate, becoming soft and no longer able to hold nails, and can become a safety hazard to workers. It is costly to replace.

Along with potentially saving money on rot-related repairs, attic ventilation can make it easier for your home's HVAC system to work. Heat buildup in an unventilated attic can force an air conditioner to work harder. This increases energy use and electrical costs.

High attic heat levels will not just cause your home to feel uncomfortable during the summer months. In the winter, an excessively warm attic can increase the risks of ice dams. When melting snow on top of your roof meets overly warm air that comes from inside of your home, ice can form on the overhangs. As the ice melts, it can make its way into your home, damaging the attic, ceilings, and walls.



Your home needs good ventilation. Contact Thompson and Thompson 3rd Generation Roofing Inc. for more information. We look forward to helping you have the most effective and safest roof possible. Let us know of any questions or concerns you have.