Your roof’s vital job of protecting your most significant investment is directly impacted by the type and amount of ventilation it includes. Proper ventilation is a crucial element of your roofing system. Ventilation will help decrease the amount of warm, moist air in your attic, lowering the possibility of ice dams on your roof during the winter, and preserving your HVAC unit by not overworking it each summer.
Read on and learn about the different types of roof vents.
Exhaust Vents: Maximize Your New Roof’s Performance and Lifespan with the Appropriate Attic Ventilation
There are two main types of ventilation: exhaust vents and intake vents. Both are vital for proper airflow in your attic, and both impact your roof’s longevity and overall function.
Ridge Vents
This common type of exhaust vent is installed along the highest peak of your roof and runs the full length of it. It allows the hot, moist air from your attic escape. When installed in conjunction with an intake vent like soffit vents at the bottom of your roof, cool air flows into your home through the soffit vents and warm air exits through the ridge vent. This ventilation strategy takes advantage of gravity and offers a reliable solution to homeowners. The best time to have a ridge vent installed is when you replace your roof. A ridge vent is one of the most popular vents. It is a cost-effective way to ensure your roof can “breathe” and offers extra protection from Denver’s snow and ice (which could block other types of exhaust vents).
Box Vents
This popular exhaust venting solution consists of several box vents installed across your roof. They are 18 inches square and look like a box, hence their name. They can be installed in small areas that need ventilation where a ridge vent is not feasible. Box vents work well with complex roof lines made up of a variety of different sections. In contrast, if you have a larger roof line, a ridge vent would likely be more effective. Check with your roofing contractor for the best long-term venting solution for your roofing type.
Intake Vents: Bring Outdoor Air Inside Your Attic to Prevent Moisture Problems
Soffit Vents
The most popular intake vents, soffit vents, are placed along the eaves of your roof (which are directly under your roof line). They are the most effective intake vent available, and they have a modest price point, making them a favorite among homeowners. Most new construction includes soffit vents. This practical method of intake ventilation consists of small holes that permit fresh air to enter your attic, which helps usher warm, moist air out of your attic. There are two primary types of soffit vents:
- Continuous soffit vents: These are longer vents, usually made of vinyl, that wrap around the entire eaves of your house. The abundance of surface area they are made up of ensures a large amount of fresh air can pass through them.
- Individual soffit vents: These are made of aluminum, placed six feet apart, and are located under your roof line. They are smaller and are spaced out. They don’t provide as much surface area as the continuous soffit vents, so they are not as efficient when it comes to air intake.
Over-Fascia Vents
This newer form of venting is made for roofs that don’t have eaves that accommodate soffit vents. Fascia vents are placed at the peak of your fascia board and gutter, and under your starter row of shingles. When wind comes into contact with your roof, they allow air to enter your attic.
Over-fascia vents have a relatively small surface area, making soffit vents more effective. They work well on complex roofs where soffit vents aren’t feasible, or where additional intake ventilation is needed.
Exceptional Roof Ventilation for Your Denver Home
Adequate roof ventilation improves your home’s energy efficiency, lowers the risk of ice dams and mold growth, extends the life of your roof, and creates the best conditions for your roof to deliver the high performance it was designed for.
At Refined Exteriors, even the smallest details matter to us. We ensure the roofing systems we install are designed with ample intake and exhaust ventilation so you get the full benefit of your new roof. Take a look at our free homeowner’s resource on roof replacement: The Homeowner’s Guide to Roof Replacement.
