Options for Cooling an Attic: The Importance of Roof Ventilation

For many homeowners, the idea of residential roof and attic ventilation is a bit of a mystery and they don’t always understand all of the options for cooling an attic or ventilating a roof that are out there. There is a general assumption that every roof has some sort of ventilation, and that is usually where the conversation comes to an end.

Sometimes homeowners are told by a less experienced roofing company that subpar ventilation is the best that can be done. Of course, that’s not true and at Elevated Roofing, we are determined to ensure that your home, its attic, and the roofing system that protect them are properly ventilated.

It’s important for homeowners to understand the basic features of ventilation and the impact it has on their home environment, as well as the overall health of their roof structure. There is absolutely nothing mysterious about proper ventilation.

Ventilation and Draft

We’re all taught at a young age that warm air rises.  In a poorly ventilated attic space, this can mean a stagnant environment and temperatures that will easily exceed 100 degrees.

To avoid these extremes, attic and roof ventilation promotes natural circulation which helps to keep temperatures consistent and within an acceptable range. In a nutshell, a well-ventilated roof creates a draft, pulling air from the outside and exhausting it through higher, well-ventilated areas. Mystery solved.

Poor Ventilation

Poorly configured roof and attic ventilation will cause any number of potential problems, none of which will go unnoticed. From staggering utility costs to keep homes cool during summer months, to the premature failure of asphalt shingles due to excessive attic temperatures, poor ventilation is unforgiving.

Left unchecked, stagnant warm air in an attic space will promote moisture buildup that may lead to costly structural damage. Mold and mildew will also become an issue and may present serious health risks to homeowners.

Options for Cooling an Attic: Types of Roof and Attic Ventilation

Residential roof ventilation comes in many forms. Eave vents, dormer vents, roof turbines, ridge vents, and gable vents are primary examples of the types of ventilation found in many homes today.

Remember that warm air rises. Proper installation and configuration are what make any roof and attic ventilation system work. Without the right balance of intake and exhaust, even the most robust configurations will simply cancel one another out.

Eave vents often provide the best point of intake, as they are located at the lowest area in the attic space. Subsequently, ridge vents offer the most efficient point of exhaust, as they are located at the highest elevation on the roof.

Common Ventilation Myths Debunked

There are a few common myths where roof and attic ventilation are concerned. With these out of the way, homeowners are offered a better understanding of the fundamentals.

1. More roof and attic ventilation are better:

This is not the case. It’s not the quantity of ventilation that makes the system work — It’s the installation and configuration of proper components.

2. Ventilation is only for warmer climates:

Roof and attic ventilation is necessary to balance air-flow in any attic space, regardless of the overall climate. Let’s face it though, even if this myth were true, we live in a hotter climate where high temperatures in August can average in the upper 90s. So, even if roof ventilation was reserved only for warmer climates — Our area of Texas IS among the “warmer climates.” If your roof isn’t properly ventilated, we can explain all your options for cooling an attic and ensuring proper ventilation for your roof.

3. Any vent will do:

Inadequate or poorly configured ventilation is effectively no ventilation at all. Substandard products or products that are not professionally installed may even cause problems that will result in costly roof and attic repairs or even health-related issues.

There are many ways to ventilate a home and not all the options for cooling an attic or ventilating a roof may be on the table for you. Perhaps a less-experienced roofing company told that you have no other options for cooling your attic than what you currently have—Let us be the judge of that at a free roof inspection.

4. Roof and attic vents let warm air escape:

Yes, vents do allow warm air to be exhausted from an attic, but this warm air should not be coming from the living space.  Warm air escaping from lower levels into the attic is only the result of poorly installed or insufficient insulation.

5. Options for cooling an attic are limited:

While options aren’t endless, they aren’t nearly as limited as some less experienced roofing companies may imply. When you choose our company, you have many different options for cooling an attic and getting proper roof ventilation.

We have access to the highest quality materials and the experience to understand how to best put them to use to provide proper ventilation — even in older houses.

You Have Options for Cooling an Attic

Now that you understand that you have options for cooling an attic— you’ll have a much better idea of your present situation. We’re experts in roofing and attic ventilation. We know all the options for cooling an attic and will ensure you’re taken care of.

Proper air circulation is critical in order to maintain a comfortable and healthy home. It’s also important to the longevity of your roof. So, it’s very important. Unlike some roofing companies that just want to sell you a new roof, we want to maintain a population of thousands of satisfied customers. If there is any question as to the condition or effectiveness of your roof ventilation, it’s important to have it thoroughly inspected — and you can count on us.

Innovative products such as GAF rigid vents, offer professional roofers the perfect solution and features to optimize roof and attic ventilation. Although the basic principles are straightforward, there is a science behind creating balanced ventilation.

We encourage homeowners to contact us and schedule a no-obligation roof inspection. By addressing any ventilation issues now, costly repairs will be avoided down the road.