Not many people consider roof ventilation as an important part of residential roofing systems. In this blog, Howard Roofing & Home Improvements discuss how roof ventilation works, and why it is important for your roof to be properly ventilated.
Roof ventilation requires airflow within the attic, and there are two ways to do create airflow:
Natural or passive ventilation utilizes properly-placed vents to allow air movement. Hot air tends to rise and create higher pressure at higher points in the attic, resulting in a stack effect. Exhaust vents at the ridge allow hot air to escape, which creates negative pressure that pulls fresh air through intake vents at the soffits. As this cycle repeats, airflow is created. This process may sometimes be accelerated by wind from the outside.
On the other hand, mechanical or active ventilation is used on large roofing systems where passive ventilation does not suffice. It utilizes exhaust fans to forcibly release hot air. Typically, exhaust fans are powered through electrical means, though solar-powered options are also available.
The Benefits of Proper Roof Ventilation
A properly ventilated roof provides the following benefits:
Howard Roofing & Home Improvements is your leading provider of residential and commercial roofing services. Give us a call at (636) 296-1057 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas.