Choosing the Right Type of Roof Vent for Your Home

Proper roof ventilation allows air to flow through the attic, preventing it from overheating and causing moisture damage. With this, you can save money on monthly energy bills and extend the service life of your roof.  Hunterdon Roofing, Siding and Window Company explains why you need proper vents in your home. We will also provide tips on which type of roof vent is ideal for your home.

Why Is Roof Ventilation Important?

During the winter season, the heat from inside your attic combines with the heat from the sun to melt the snow and ice on your warm roof. The resulting water then runs to the edge of the roof where it may begin to freeze again. This process is called ice damming, which may eventually cause problems to the overall structure of your roof system. To prevent this from happening, make sure your roof is well-vented. Proper ventilation helps warm air escape before it can melt the snow and ice on your roof.

In addition to that, ventilation can also be beneficial in the summer season. As the outside temperature rises, so does the temperature on your roof – in fact, it can be nearly double. An unventilated or poorly ventilated attic can get excessively hot, and the buildup of heat can damage your shingles from the inside out. An evenly vented roof allows the hot air to escape, keeping your roof and attic cooler.

Which Type of Roof Vent Fits Your Home?

Roof vents have two main categories: passive, which has three variants, and active. Here’s what you need to know about these four of them:

• Ridge vents are designed to look like roof shingles because they run across the length of the roof peak. They use a smart system to ensure that air is the only thing to escape through the roof, keeping bugs and other debris at bay. This type of vent helps prevent mold and humidity within the attic. Many homeowners choose ridge vents because they are conspicuous and have no negative impact on the roof’s aesthetic.

• Roof turbine vents, also known as metal pot vents and roof exhaust fans, use large rotating blades to remove hundreds of cubic feet of air. For this reason, they are ideal for windy regions and roofs with a larger attic area. They also offer years of reliable service, especially if maintained well. However, roof turbine vents are not available for all roof types.

• Low-profile roof vents, also called louvered vents, are the most common ventilation systems. They are manufactured from either aluminum or galvanized steel. Low-profile roof vents are also relatively cheap and may be available in several colors to match the roof. If your roof is large, however, you may need over a dozen of them installed.

• Electrical and solar-powered roof vents are the only type of active roof vents. Since they help reduce utility bills, this type of vent is becoming significantly popular. Electrical options rely on electricity to work, while solar-powered options need sunlight.

For all of your residential roofing needs, get in touch with Hunterdon Roofing, Siding and Window Company. Count on us to tackle your other exterior home improvement projects as well, including window installation and siding replacement. Call us today at (908) 735-0809 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.