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Is Your Attic Properly Ventilated?

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    Is Your Attic Properly Ventilated?

    1/30/2019

    So, you’re getting a new roof. You’ve hired a contractor, selected your shingles, and chosen an underlayment. Or, you’re doing your annual roof maintenance checks. You’ve looked for broken shingles, inspected the gutters, and checked for leaks. But have you considered your attic ventilation? It’s easy to get hung up on the obvious parts of your roof, but attic ventilation is key to a long-lasting and efficient roofing system.

    Attic VentilationProper attic ventilation ensures that air flows evenly in the areas immediately below your roof. Inadequate airflow can lead to pockets of moisture build up that can ultimately cause water damage and create weak spots in your roof. Proper airflow is also key for temperature control. Uneven airflow can cause temperatures to rise in the summer and drop in the winter, causing your HVAC system to work harder to control the temperature of your home, leading to higher energy bills, which is never a good thing. If you’re having a new roof installed, it’s crucial to work with your contractor to come up with ventilation plan. And if you’re unsure of your current attic ventilation setup, it may be a good idea to contact a professional for a simple check up to see if your attic is venting properly or if there are ways to improve it.

    While working with a professional is never a bad idea, you should also be armed with the proper knowledge to make sure you know exactly what questions to ask. No need to worry about doing hours of research on intake vents and ridge vents. Below is an easy checklist for you to follow to make sure your roof is set up for success.

    Attic Ventilation Checklist

    • My intake vent is located at the roof’s edge or in the soffit/eave.

    • My intake vents are not covered by insulation.

    • My intake vent capacity is equal to or greater than my exhaust vent capacity.

    • My intake vents are placed to limit rain or snow from entering my attic.

    • My exhaust vent is located at or near the top of my roofline.

    • My exhaust vent is designed to minimize or prevent rain and snow infiltration.

    • My ridge vent extends the full length of the ridge.

    • My roof style can be properly ventilated using natural ventilation. Certain roof styles may require power ventilators to create adequate airflow.

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