Most people don't think a lot about ventilation for their roofs and attics. In fact, most people think about windows and heating/cooling vents when it comes to ventilation and air circulation. Yet the fact remains that at some point, either when you purchase or renovate a property or just maintain one, you will have to make a decision about how to properly ventilate your attic space.
It’s never a good idea to leave your attic unventilated as it can make a big difference in the temperature of your home’s interior. It can also lead to problems with your roof that will be expensive to fix and require the expertise of a roof company.
Ventilation Options Available
There are two popular options for ventilating roofs: continuous ridge vents and roof box vents. Choosing between the two is often a matter of personal preference; however, if you want to know more about these two types of ventilation systems and what differentiates them from each other, there is more to read and learn here.
Roof Box Vents
As the name suggests, this popular method of ventilation is basically in the shape of a box. The non-mechanical vent removes damaging moisture and heat from your attic space. Roof box vents remain a popular way for roof services to ventilate a structure because they are an economical, affordable way to circulate air in the attic space.
Another reason why they are so popular is the ease of installation. These vents are ideal when an attic is open, just keep in mind they must not be placed too close to the ridge of the roof.
Ridge Vents
Ridge and box vents both serve the same fundamental purpose; however, ridge vents are different in certain ways. The most noticeable difference is that ridge vents are installed by a roof company at the very top or peak of a sloped roof, providing a safe outlet for hot and sometimes humid air.
This type of venting is installed by roof companies on residential homes with sloped roofs and shingles. Just like box vents, ridge vents are non-mechanical, meaning there is no need to worry about needing roof services to repair electrical issues.
Ridge vents are often chosen by homeowners because they are less obvious and can be made to blend in with the roof, making them almost impossible to spot unless you are actually trying to find them. This type of system is better suited for those who want a sleek look.
Unfortunately, it is not advisable for a roof company to install these vents in houses with small ridges. Using ridge vents is something you must discuss with your roof services provider to determine whether it is possible to use them with your roofing system.
Roof or attic ventilation is an important part of keeping roofs healthy and improving life expectancy. When ventilation is coupled with attic fans if you choose to use them, you have a winning formula for keeping the temperature in your home at the best level. To choose the right system, be sure to ask the roof company you hire which type of vents are best suited for your roof!
