Do I Need Roof Vents?
Do I Need Roof Vents?
Roof vents serve the important function of enabling air circulation within your attic. However, it is natural to question their necessity due to the potential exposure of the attic to external elements. You might wonder if it would be better to keep your roof unvented, avoiding any openings that could allow snow, rain, or other particles to enter. There are compelling reasons to ventilate your attic, and the drawbacks of sealing it far outweigh the benefits. Let's explore the importance of roof vents and understand why they are a crucial component for a healthy attic environment.
Roof Vents in Cold Climates
During winter, the attic is prone to condensation forming as warm air rises and meets the cold roof deck. This buildup of moisture can compromise your roof structure and damage your insulation. Poor ventilation will cause the peak of your roof to become hot, while the edges become cold, a perfect environment for ice dams to form. Ice dams can trap water, making your roof more susceptible to leaking. Ensuring proper roof ventilation is essential for a healthy attic environment during winter, safeguarding against moisture-related issues and preserving the integrity of your home.
Roof Vents in Hot Climates
Warm weather brings increased humidity, amplifying the issues related to attic moisture seen in cold climates. An unvented attic can reach scorching temperatures of over 150 degrees, baking shingles and drastically reducing their lifespan. Damaged shingles can lead to future leaks and costly reshingling expenses. Excessive heat affects not only the roof but also raises the temperature inside your home, compromising comfort and straining your air conditioning system, resulting in higher energy bills. Roof vents provide an escape route for hot air, promoting fresh air circulation and preventing heat buildup. This safeguards roof components, eases the load on your cooling system, and keeps energy costs under control.
Proper Attic Ventilation is Critical
Roof vents are an essential part of a well-designed home ventilation system, providing numerous benefits. Ventilating your attic allows for a cooler living space in summer, reducing energy consumption and costs. It also prevents issues like ice dams and leaks during winter. While sealing your attic may seem tempting, the resulting moisture buildup can cause more damage to your roof structure and shingles than external elements entering through vent openings. Exposure to outside elements is still a common problem with most vents. However, SNOWVENTCO vents offer a solution with their built-in stainless steel filter. This filter blocks over 99% of airborne particles, ensuring a dry attic while maintaining uninterrupted airflow. Upgrade to SNOWVENTCO vents today to optimize your attic ventilation system.
Bill Chislett
Chislett Roofing
Newmarket, Ontario
Krzysztof Wolf
Roofer
Toronto, Ontario
Dave Flynn
Roofer
Brighton, Ontario
Francis E. Harris
Roofing Company Owner
Calgary, Alberta
SNOWVENTCO Snow Vents
Upper Roof Exhaust Vent
Install near roof peak to allow warm air to escape. Blocks 99% of snow, diverts rain.
Lower Roof Intake Vent
Suitable for use in place of soffit vents. Blocks 99% of snow, effectively diverts rain.
Skylite Exhaust Vent
Perfect for sheds and garages to allow light in while keeping moisture out.
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Learn How to Install SNOWVENTCO Snow Vents
Tools needed, step-by-step instructions, and videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roof vents are necessary in order to improve the ventilation in your attic. Adequate ventilation helps to remove excess heat and moisture from your attic, which can prolong the life of your roof and prevent damage to your attic and the rest of your home. Additionally, proper ventilation can help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can be a health hazard.
There is no one "best" roof ventilation system as the appropriate system will depend on the specific needs of your home and roof. Roof vents are generally divided into active or passive systems with each system having its pros and cons.
The number of roof vents you need will depend on the size and layout of your attic. A general rule of thumb is to have 1 square foot (144 square inches) of vent area for every 150 square feet of attic space. For example, if your attic is 900 square feet, you would need 864 square inches (6 square feet X 144) of vent area. Additionally, it's important to make sure that your vents are properly placed and balanced, with an equal amount of intake and exhaust vents. This will ensure that air is flowing effectively through your attic and not creating pressure that could cause leaks or damage to the roof. Try our roof vent calculator to find the right amount of vents for your roof.
Installing roof vents can be a complex task that requires a certain level of skill and experience. It is recommended that you hire a professional roofing contractor to install your vents, as they will have the knowledge and tools necessary to do the job safely and correctly. However, if you're determined to install them yourself, take a look at our installation video for a step by step demonstration.
No, determined vermin will have a difficult time chewing through the heavy duty plastic outer shell which is much thicker than typical roof vents. If they are able to chew through the plastic they will not be able to get through the stainless steel filter. This will restrict attic access through the vent openings.
Roof vents can breathe under snow, but it depends on the amount of snow and the type of vent. SNOWVENTCO vents have been tested to allow for airflow even under heavy snowfall conditions. See the link below for video proof.
Yes, the low profile and aerodynamic design of SNOWVENTCO vents combined with heavy duty polymer outer shell mean the SNOWVENTCO vents are very resistant to high winds. Our vents have undergone testing showing that they prevent over 99% of rain, snow, and other particle penetration of attic in CAT 3 hurricane wind conditions. They are also durable enough to stay intact when faced with 120 mph winds.
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