Roofing Ventilation Systems

Don’t Let The Air In Your Attic Be Stale And Static

Though it may not be the first concern, most have when discussing roofing, having proper ventilation is a crucial component to a healthy roofing system. Why is ventilation important? Imagine what might happen if the air in your attic was never circulated? You end up with heat, humidity, and moisture that stays stuck. Heat builds up in the summertime, which can become problematic if it never has a chance to escape. What may be even more concerning is in the wintertime when moisture starts to build up. Through daily activities such as bathing and breathing, water vapor in the air rises, and if not adequately ventilated, eventually you end up with a moldy attic that can be a nightmare to remedy. Call on the expert team at Bear Brothers Roofing to help you determine the best type of roofing ventilation for your roofing system.

Types Of Roofing Vents

Box Vents

Box vents go by a few different names such as flat vents, turtle vents, louvers, or low profile vents, but they all work the same way. This type of vent has no moving parts but instead uses natural convection. Hot air and moisture rise and escape through the opening of the box vent. These can be highly effective when installed as close as possible to the roof ridge where it will allow the highest amount of moisture and heat to escape.

Power Vents

Power vents are also known as roof or gable mounted vents, or power attic vents (PAVs). They work to push moisture and hot air out of the attic by using a large motor powered fan. Many models of these come equipped with humidistats and thermostats that can be set to turn on when the area reaches a specific temperature or humidity level. Since they require electricity to operate, they are generally hardwired into the home or business’s electrical system. Power vents are highly effective at ventilating and are relatively quiet.

Off Ridge Vents

With a similar look and function, Off ridge vents are often confused with box vents. Off ridge vents are thinner and longer, rather than being square and boxy. A static vent’s placement should near the ridge over a cutout section of the roof. Most often, a roof will have several of these vents because they are not quite as effective all on their own.

Soffit Vents

Soffit venting provides a way to intake air into the roofing ventilation system. Choosing soffit venting may be a wise choice for roofing systems fitted with small gable-end vents. This type of vent is typically made of PVC or aluminum and are used in combinations with a ridge vent.

Wind Turbines

Wind turbines also go by the name whirlybirds. These vents do have moving parts but are not powered by a motor. Instead, they use the wind to create movement. When the wind is blowing, these tend to move quite a bit of air, usually more than a box vent would. Be cautious about installing a cheap wind turbine, as they can become noisy and begin to squeak over time. Those of higher quality have permanently lubricated ball bearings within the spinning mechanism that prevents them from becoming an annoyance.

Ridge Vents

Ridge vents contain no moving parts, categorizing them as a static vent system. A ridge vent runs longways across the entire length of the roof’s horizontal edge. One aesthetic benefit of a ridge vent is that, when installed correctly, running end to end on the roof, it should blend in fairly seamlessly with the rest of the roof. Many times, ridge venting can be combined with undereave venting for a highly efficient way to ventilate your roofing system. Ridge venting is beneficial when considering the way your roof will wear over time. It allows for even temperature distribution, meaning there are no hot or cold spots so all sections of the roof will age at the same rate.

Cupola Vents

Cupola vents do function very well as a static roof vent on their own and they are mostly installed for decorative purposes. They do allow hot air and moisture to escape, but they aren’t typically effective enough alone, so they are often installed alongside another type of roof ventilation system.

Extend The Life of Your Roof

Proper roofing ventilation will help prolong the lifespan of the entire roofing system, including the building materials and shingles. More noticeably, you can improve the comfort of the inside of your home, reduce the run-time of your air conditioner and other cooling appliances, lower your electricity bill, and save money.

Your Guide To All Things Ventilation

Let your roofing system breathe! With over 18 years of experience in installing, repairing, and replacing roofing systems, Bear Brothers Roofing can be your trusted source for all your roofing ventilation needs. Call us at 303-422-2725 to get an estimate or fill out our contact form.

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Denver, CO 80229

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