UNDERSTANDING ROOF VENTS - Attic Air - Insulation and Ventilation Company

ROOF VENTS

You probably already know that good air circulation in your attic has year-round benefits (click here to learn more about attic air circulation) but understanding the various ventilation options can be a bit confusing. In this post, we break down common ventilation components and describe what each is used for.

INTAKE AND EXHAUST VENTS

Attic ventilation is divided into two categories – intake vents and exhaust vents. Intake vents draw outside air into the attic while exhaust vents allow hot, moist, or stagnant air to flow out of the attic.

INTAKE VENTS

SOFFIT/EAVE VENTS

Intake vents play an important role in keeping your attic cool in summer and dry in winter! Intake vents are typically installed at the soffit or eave. These vents draw external air into the attic.

I caution homeowners to verify that all soffit and eave vents are properly installed. Too often we find external vents are blocked (holes are not cut thru to the attic space).

Don’t assume you have ventilation just because you see ventilation screens or vents at the eave. Always check!

Additionally, we find vents are blocked by insulation within the attic because baffles are not installed or are improperly sized.

EXHAUST VENTS

STATIC ROOF VENTS

Static roof vents allow air to escape from the attic. Often multiple static roof vents are needed to adequately ventilate the attic. Roof vents should be evenly spaced across the roof and installed just below the peak of the roof where heated air will rise. Static vents do not require electricity to work and thus are less expensive to operate. They are available in a variety of colors allowing you to choose what will look best with your roof.

RIDGE VENTS

Ridge vents also called Ridge Cap Vents are in stalled as you might guess, at the ridge of the roof. Ridge vents are often covered by the roofing material used on the rest of the roof making them blend to the look of your home. Designed to avoid the need for roof vents, performance here in the Midwest has been mixed due to sub zero temps and snow levels that can interfere with ridge vent air flow.

When using a ridge vent it is necessary to have an equal or larger amount of intake ventilation from the soffit area of the roof. This allows for air to enter at the lower vents and travel up to the top of the roof as it heats and exits out of the ridge vent. An inadequate amount of soffit ventilation will act to retard the effectiveness of your ridge vent.

POWERED ROOF VENTS (ATTIC FANS)

A powered roof vent commonly called an Attic Fan, can dramatically improve the flow of air through your attic. Attic fans are covered by a dome to keep the elements from entering the opening in your roof. The fan is connected to a thermostat or a humidistat/thermostat combo that dictates when the fan should activate based on current temperature or moisture levels in the attic. One attic fan can produce the same results as multiple static roof vents.

BATHFAN & DRYER EXHAUST VENTS

Bathroom Exhaust Fans and Dryer Exhaust tubes should always be exhausted externally via a dampered roof cap. Never exhaust your bathroom fan or dryer into your attic. The warm moist air exhausted from both of these sources can lead to mold and damage to your roof and home structure.

NOT SURE WHAT YOU HAVE INSTALLED?

Call us for a free ventilation assessment today at 630.830.3870. We service Chicago and All Suburbs.