Since attic ventilation is critical to saving energy and properly heating or cooling your home, it’s important to select roof vents that are both cost effective and efficient.
The best way to ensure that your attic is properly ventilated is to hire a local roofing contractor to assess your existing vent structure and recommend roof ventilation products. However, if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you should learn ventilation basis before purchasing attic vents.
Understand Roof Vent Options Before You Buy
1. Proper ventilation requires both intake and exhaust vents. Intake vents allow an infusion of fresh air into your home, and exhaust vents help air to leave the attic. You need a combination of these two types to ensure optimal air circulation and minimal condensation.
2. Survey your venting options before making a purchase. You’ll find a variety of the following vent types:
- Soffit vents—These vent openings are typically screened, and are located on the underside of your home’s eaves (in the attic floor). Soffit vents allow an influx of fresh air, which rises and flows out through vents in the roof peaks. Screens are a good idea if you live in a region prone to insect infestation.
- Gable vents—Placed on roof peaks, these louvered vents promote warm air exhaust.
- Static vents—Installation of these inexpensive turbine or louver vents involves removing several portions of your roof shingles, as they’re typically placed in rows. These vents are effective at moving air, but can leak if they’re not properly installed and regularly inspected.
- Wind-driven vents—Mounted on a rooftop or installed against a gable, these vents are driven by natural wind rather than an electrical source. When it’s breezy, the vent will circulate air in a stuffy attic.
- Powered vent units—These electric- or solar-powered vents usually include a thermostat, and will automatically come on when your attic or home temperature reaches a specified point.
3. Determine the number of vents your home needs to make it a worthwhile investment. Recommended vent number depends on your roof’s square footage, and is often based on a 1/300 rule. This means that you should have one square foot of vented area per 300 feet of attic space. If your home’s attic measures 1,500 square feet, you’ll divide by 300—and conclude that 5 square feet of venting is sufficient. Remember, over-installing vents is not recommended, since too many vents increase your chance of damaging attic leaks.
Look to the professionals when you’re ready to efficiently apply roofing ventilation. LGC Roofing professionals are experts at making your home energy efficient, affordable and ready to withstand the elements. Tune into our next blog for more information on vent pricing and energy savings.
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The information presented is top notch. I’ve been doing some research on the topic and this post answered several questions.
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