Intake Vents as a Part of Your Attic Ventilation System
Intake and Exhaust Ventilation Must be Balanced
It's crucial to install both intake and exhaust vents in a balanced system to ensure proper attic ventilation. Without adequate exhaust, moisture buildup, mold growth, and damage to the roof and attic structure can occur. On the other hand, insufficient intake can cause a pressure imbalance in your attic causing treated air from your home's living space to be sucked out of your house through the exhaust vents. This can lead to higher energy bills and reduced comfort. Below we will explore the two main types of intake vents - soffit vents and roof-mounted intake vents - and discuss the importance of balancing intake and exhaust to maintain a healthy and efficient attic space.
Soffit Vents are Preferred in Most Situations
Soffit vents offer a discreet solution to attic ventilation needs. The beauty of soffit vents is that they blend in with the eaves of the roof, making them less noticeable than their roof-mounted counterparts. What's more, their location under the roof protects them from the elements, making them less susceptible to weather-related damage than roof-mounted vents. One potential issue with soffit vents is that they can become blocked with insulation or other debris overtime. It's worth noting that some building codes may not allow for soffit vents, or your home may have been designed without soffits, so soffit intake vents are not an option for everyone.
When Soffit Vents are not an Option, Roof Mounted Intake Vents are a Great Alternative
Roof-mounted intake vents are another option for proper attic ventilation. The SNOWVENTCO Intake Vent is an excellent choice because of its stainless steel filter, which blocks out rain, snow, and other elements while still allowing air to circulate freely. These vents can be installed near the base of the roof (minimum of 4 ft from eaves and 4 ft from gable) or anywhere else on the roof that requires extra ventilation. To protect against water damage, the SNOWVENTCO Intake Vent has a built-in water deflector designed to prevent water from flowing down the roof and overwhelming the vent. These vents will ensure adequate intake ventilation and should be considered if your home doesn’t have soffit vents or if they are susceptible to blocking.
The Importance of Balanced Intake and Exhaust Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation is crucial for maintaining a healthy and efficient home. By installing a balanced system of intake and exhaust ventilation, you can prevent moisture buildup, mold growth, and damage to the roof and attic structure. Soffit vents and roof-mounted intake vents, like the SNOWVENTCO Intake Vent, offer different options for achieving proper intake ventilation. However, regardless of the type of intake vent you choose, it's essential to ensure that the system is balanced to prevent energy loss and discomfort. Don't overlook the importance of proper attic ventilation in your home, and consider consulting with a professional if you're unsure about your home's current ventilation system.
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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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 Storm 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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