Roof ventilation works by allowing air to flow through the attic which prevents it from becoming overheated and causing moisture.
Why does attic need ventilation.
We need to breathe to get fresh air in and out of our bodies.
There are two primary methods to create air flow within an attic.
Ventilation only works when air flows.
A balanced attic ventilation system that consists of intake at the eaves soffits or fascias of the roof and exhaust at or near your roof ridge serves two important functions.
Proper ventilation in your attic helps address excess heat and moisture that can otherwise wreak havoc on your home.
For similar reasons your attic needs to breathe also.
Requires a power source.
In cold climates the primary purpose of attic or roof ventilation is to maintain a cold roof temperature to control ice dams created by melting snow and to vent moisture that moves from the conditioned space to the attic ventilation acts to bypass the vapour barrier created by most roof membranes.
Effective ventilation provides year round benefits creating a cooler attic in the summer and a drier attic in the winter.
This prevents hot air from seeping into your home and driving up the temperature in the living space which reduces the load on your air conditioner.
How does venting work to let your attic breathe.
First it allows cool fresh air to enter into the attic.
Second it allows hot moist air to escape.
Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents.
That said air resistance and interference such as vent grates reduces the area of true ventilation.
Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves allow cool.
Whenever possible natural roof ventilation is used.
While we have an active process most homes have a passive venting system which requires a balance between the intakes and outlets.
Why adequate roof ventilation is important.
Generally speaking you need a ratio of 1 300 where for every 300 square feet of ceiling space you need 1 square foot of attic ventilation.
Attic ventilation fans help cool air your attic by pushing out the stifling hot air from inside the attic and bringing in cool air from outside.
Areas with hot summers and cold winters can suffer the effects of both.
Attic ventilation is an intake and exhaust system that creates airflow designed to decrease the difference in temperature between the outdoor air and the air inside the attic.