When designing a home, you not only want it to be beautiful and stylish but also comfortable and healthy in all seasons. Proper ventilation is one of the main ways to achieve that because it ensures that your house is not too hot during the summer or too cold in winter.
However, with the numerous roof ventilation options available in the market, choosing the best one for your home can be a challenge. Some of the tips to help you include:
Determine Your Ventilation Needs
This is the first and the most important step in determining the right ventilation for your house. According to Camperdown roof repair, to calculate, determine your attic’s square footage by multiplying its length and width. Next, compare that figure to the net free area you need in the attic using the 1:300 rule.
This rule states that you require at least one square foot of ventilation for every 300 square feet of your attic floor space.
You might need to increase or double the ventilation requirements depending on the size of your attic. The ventilation requirements are usually split equally between exhaust and intake systems to help effectively control temperature and humidity.
Compare Different Types of Vents
Once you have determined your ventilation needs, the next step is to familiarize yourself with the available ventilation options.
Ridge vents
These exhaust vents resemble asphalt shingles, and professionals install them across the roof peak’s edge. Because of their location, these vents allow even air distribution, something you might not get with other vents.
You can choose to buy them as a long piece or separate pieces. In addition to ventilation, these vents also prevent snow and rain from getting into your house and prevent mold and mildew growth.
Soffit vents
These intake vents are usually installed under your roof’s overhang, commonly known as the soffit. They are invisible and protected from the weather, debris, and pests. You can choose vinyl or aluminum vents, and their main feature is the narrow slits through which air flows into the attic.
There are different styles and types of soffit vents, but you should ensure they don’t have any debris build-up for maximum airflow regardless of the type.
Drip edge vents
These are an alternative to soffit vents, and they also allow water-shedding along the rakes and eaves of the roof.
Static vents
These exhaust non-motorized vents come in different sizes and styles. Professionals install them near the roof’s ridge, allowing for unobstructed airflow from the attic.
Gable vents
These wooden vents are usually installed on the attic’s exterior wall, and they utilize natural air to mallow air in and out of your attic.
Most of these vents utilize natural airflow to move air around the attic. However, ensure you ask the professionals whether you might need electricity or a solar-powered vent for more effectiveness depending on the nature of your house and needs.
If you are unfamiliar with vent types and which one will be good for your house, ensure you work with an experienced and well-trained Richmond Roofing company like Cenvar Roofing.
Know Your Roof Type
The type of your roof determines what type of vent professionals can install. Some have limited spaces for specific vet options, while some could allow you to have different vents, meaning you have to choose one depending on your needs.
If you have a gable-style roof, professionals can choose to install roof or ridge vents. The choice depends on the room in your attic and your preference.
Pyramid hip roofs usually have limited style, which means you can only have taller vents. If you have hips, valleys, and gables on your rooftop, you can choose from a wide range.
Consider the Climate
Different climates mean different ventilation requirements to ensure they circulate the air as required and resist weather elements like snow and water. If you are in a place that receives a lot of snow, you need to install taller vents, and if you live in a place receiving a lot of rain, your vents should be able to let the water drip without getting into the house.
Consider Your Budget
Ensure that the vents you choose fit your budget without using your savings or causing financial strain. You should also consider the brand you will shop from. Different vents have different airflow capabilities, and some will require that you buy more, which could be more expensive.
Conclusion
Proper roof ventilation helps improve your energy efficiency, prevents moisture damage, prevents ice dams, and improves indoor air quality. Therefore, you should research the best ventilation for your house and a reliable installation company.
