How Does Attic Ventilation Protect Your Roof During Winter?

Attic ventilation plays a vital part in many common roof styles by protecting households against all kinds of weather conditions. It also helps maintain energy efficiency and comfort, especially during winter. If you don’t have proper roofing ventilation installed, it can lead to unwanted damage and other issues such as ice dams, water leaks, and moisture buildup.

Why You Need Attic Ventilation

Having adequate ventilation in your attic helps curb problems associated with excess heat and moisture buildup in this part of your home. In the summer, it keeps heat from causing the shingles to deteriorate faster than normal. In the winter, it stops moisture from developing in the attic and prevents mold growth that may otherwise cause respiratory problems to family members, as well as rot that may compromise the roof’s structural integrity.

How Intake and Exhaust Vents Work

Like many roof types, yours should have an attic ventilation system that has adequate intake and exhaust vents. Intake vents are usually at the bottom part of your roof as they let in new air into the attic. Some of the most common intake vent types include the following:

• Soffit/under-eave vents. As the name suggests, these are continuous, perforated vents installed at the eave or soffit area. Their main purpose is to draw air into the attic. During installation, make sure they’re not covered by the surrounding insulation.

• Rafter vents. These work with under-eave vents to ensure the air passes smoothly into the attic. They’re typically installed along the attic’s rafters where the ceiling and attic floor meet.

As fresh air enters your attic, it replaces the warm, moist air rising right under your roof. Exhaust vents are installed in this area to let them naturally move out of the attic space. Ridge vents are typically installed along the roof’s ridge to help expel the warm air. They also blend in with the shingles so that you won’t easily spot them. Turbine vents can also be installed depending on your preferences. They may use a fan that turns with the breeze but is more effective in sucking out the warm air in your attic.

No matter what roof style you have on your home, it should have solid attic ventilation system to keep it in good condition. Having inadequate ventilation can only lead to rising energy bills and costly roof repairs. You can always consult Bone Dry Roofing – West to determine if you have enough vents installed. Give us a call at (970) 329-8938, or reach us online for a free estimate.