There may be nothing worse than being misinformed about things that are important. When it comes to your roof’s attic ventilation system you want to be informed about the myths that surround it. Your roof is a huge financial investment and the ventilation is important for keeping the air fresh while reducing moisture levels that could cause mold and mildew. Understanding how to keep your roof safe from excessive moisture could save you thousands in repair fees. So, here are some myths about ventilation to be aware of:
More Isn’t Always Better
In the case of second servings during Thanksgiving or lottery winnings, more is good. More is fantastic! When it comes to roof ventilation, the same thoughts don’t really apply. When considering how much ventilation will be needed in your attic you don’t want to have too little. Insufficient amounts can lead to moisture issues during the winter. It can also work away at your home’s energy efficiency in the summer. It’s a Goldilocks type of situation where you don’t want too much or too little as either can have harmful effects. Roof vents work to create additional penetration points and can create a vulnerable spot for leaks to seep in. These vents can also be the passageway for wildfire sparks to enter your home and set it ablaze. So, how much venting does your roof need? This is a question to ask a professional roofer who then can determine how much supplies you need to meet that amount. In general, terms are usually somewhere around 1 vent for every 300 feet of ceiling space.
Warmer Climate Considerations
A lot of people are under the impression that having more vents in warmer climates is the answer. They also think that during the summertime more vents are the go-to solution. There are plenty of other factors to look at before you have multiple new vents installed. Things as simple as your shingle color can play a part in how cool or hot your home is. There’s also the amount of insulation to blame for your home’s energy efficiency. You should even think about how much sun exposure your home gets on a daily basis as that can affect how well your home can cool/heat.
Vents Remove Warm Air in Winter
Some people are under the impression that because heat rises ventilation in the attic space in winter means that you are allowing warm air to get away which can affect your home’s energy efficiency. If this is the case it only means that your poor insulation is to blame. Usually, your furnace shouldn’t be working to heat your attic. Proper ventilation is important in winter because when warm air hits your room is going to form condensation which can work away at your insulation or create wood rot. That trapped condensation will only become more of a nightmare once the temperatures drop at night.
Science Getting In The Way
Some of these myths arise from scientific studies that are done about the effectiveness of ventilation. However, these studies can lead to false conclusions because despite their best efforts to recreate weather and conditions these scientists are working in a lab. When you are working in a lab it’s hard to emulate exactly the weather conditions that occur outside. Weather can change from region to region which plays a big role in a vent’s ability to vent properly. What will work great in Chicago may not work as well in Los Angeles. For this reason, installing your own roof vents is about as effective as trying to set your own broken bone; it’s not recommended. Don’t depend on every scientific study to give you concrete ideas about how ventilation works, they aren’t always 100% conclusive.
My House Has Vents, I’m All Set
Depending on the types of roof vents you have they could be the right or wrong type for your roof. Choosing between the ever-effective ridge vent and the not-as-effective gable vent means talking to a roofing contractor to best assess your needs. If you aren’t sure how your roof vents work or whether your roof ventilation is working correctly you should get your roof inspected to know what the situation is. You don’t want to run the risk of having bad ventilation as it could cause some major problems.
You shouldn’t have to be worried about your ventilation or potential problems problem to occur before you have your roof looked at. Call the Rescue Roofing LA to set up an installation, repair, or replacement job. We have over 40 years of experience in serving Los Angeles, Pasadena, Hollywood, and Orange County. Please feel free to call us at (888) 290-5525 for any inquiries about our service and keep in mind that we offer free estimates as well!
