on May 02, 2017 Roof Ventilation

The Science Behind the Importance of Roof Ventilation

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roof ventilation is a very important aspect of a healthy roofVenting your attic is an underappreciated part of the roofing process. In fact, it is actually an undervalued part of the building assembly of homes in the Austin area, which have the triple threat of heat, cold and humidity to impact their roofs, attics and HVAC systems.  

Here is the science behind the importance of roof ventilation:

The H.O.T. Problem

Unless you haven't lived here long, you probably already know that the biggest Heart of Texas "problem", or challenge, is our summer heat. If you've ever gone up to your attic in the summer, you know that the temperature is far hotter than even the outside air. You might have thought, "It's like an oven up there!" and you'd be right. That heated air acts like an oven on top of your house, making your air conditioning work even harder to cool off the inside spaces. Moreover, that heated air can also damage the integrity of your roofing system and reduce the lifespan of your roof.

Think You Might Need Roof Ventilation? Request a Complimentary Quote

The Science Behind Roof Venting

Roof venting works on the simple scientific principle that we all learned in school: heat rises. When roof vents are added to your roof, hot air will rise up, but then escape through your attic while also drawing cooler air in through the eaves. The process is continuous throughout the day and night.  As soon as the air in the attic gets hotter than the outside air, it rises up and out, pulling cooler air in. Without roof venting, the night air in your attic can remain high consistently, making your utility bill go up and your family uncomfortable day and night.

Science of Ideal Roof Venting Systems

The best kind of ventilation system needs to be balanced, meaning that there should be the same number of intaking soffit vents as there are exhaust vents through the peak areas of the roof.

With a balanced system:

  • Cooler or dryer air will enter the attic from the lowest point.
  • The cooler air helps to push out the rising hot, moist air.

Alternatively, if absolute balance isn't possible, it is best to have extra intake valves.  The reason is that the extra intake soffit vents will act as exhaust valves on the leeward side of your home. Why? The windward side will create a pressurized effect on the attic, moving the air out through the roof vents and out through the extra leeward vents.

What is the Best Venting System?

No one system is really best for all roof types. Venting roofs correctly is a science. Whether your home would work best with power fans, traditional fans, or ridge vents depends on the size of your roof, the pitch, and any special architectural features. It pays to have an experienced Austin company like Longhorn Roofing decide what venting system best fits the needs of your home and budget.

Think You Might Need Roof Ventilation? Request a Complimentary Quote