Roof ventilation, if properly implemented, can help prevent roofing problems caused by heat and moisture. This is why one of the basic requirements of a roof is a well-designed ventilation system. In today’s post, roof repair and installation company Pressure Point Roofing Eugene, LLC discusses how roof ventilation works, as well as its benefits.
The Basics of Roof Ventilation
Just as ventilation helps keep your home cooler in the summer season, roof ventilation helps keep heat and moisture out of the space between the ceiling and the outer roof. During winter, a well-ventilated roof is at a lower risk from moisture damage and ice dams.
There are two types of roof ventilation, the most common of which is a passive or unpowered system. Since warm air tends to rise, the exhaust vent is located at the highest point of the roof — at the ridges. As warm air is vented, it creates negative pressure that pulls fresh air through the correspondingly-sized intake vents located at the lowest point of the roof — the soffits.
The second type of roof ventilation utilizes mechanical ventilation to forcibly remove heat and humidity from the roof and create negative pressure within. This type of ventilation is suitable for large residential roofing systems where passive ventilation may not be enough, or, as is often the case with commercial properties, if the building produces too much heat and moisture. Mechanical fans are typically powered through electrical mains, but solar-powered options are also available.
Why Is Roof Ventilation Important?
Ventilation helps regulate attic temperature and moisture levels, which protects the roof from problems such as structural damage caused by rot and warping. Trapped heat and moisture can also cause damage to some types of insulating material, which can cause heat leaks. On a poorly-insulated roof deck, trapped heat in the attic can raise the roof’s temperature and melt the snow on top, causing the meltwater to refreeze at the roof’s edge and contribute to the formation of ice dams.
Proper roof ventilation also helps keep mold from accumulating in the attic, preventing damage caused by mold growth. Lastly, the cool air in the attic acts as a barrier that can help you save on your cooling bills during the summer season.
Pressure Point Roofing Eugene, LLC provides roofing services, including roof maintenance and installation, to communities in Eugene, Oregon. Give us a call at (541) 688-7663, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.