Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Roof Ventilation
Don’t forget that adequate insulation and ventilation always go hand in hand. As such, if you’re looking to reduce your heating and cooling costs, you should start with making sure your residential roofing system and attic are well-insulated and -ventilated.
Unfortunately, most homeowners aren’t aware of the importance of ventilation in reducing household energy costs, which is why today we are sharing roof ventilation facts every homeowner should know in this guide.
Adequate Ventilation and Insulation Also Go Hand in Hand
If your roof or attic doesn’t have enough insulation, warm air can enter your home and force your HVAC system to work harder to keep temperatures at a comfortable level.
Having More Ventilation Isn’t Necessarily Better
The more ventilation in your roof and attic, the better, right? Well, ventilation isn’t as simple as it seems. The airflow in your roof and attic needs to be balanced, which means the amount of space dedicated to air intake must be the same as the space dedicated for air exhaust. As a rule of thumb, there should be a square foot of net free area (NFA) – the area through which air can pass – for every 300 square feet of floor area for attics with a vapor barrier. Attics with no vapor barriers, on the other hand, should have a square foot of NFA for every 150 square feet of attic floor space.
The Kind of Roof Vents Installed Matters
Remember: there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach in roofing projects. Different kinds of vents have varying levels of efficiency, so you need to do your research before choosing one. However, most contractors agree that ridge vents are the most cost-efficient and effective choice. If you’re not sure about whether your roof and attic have enough ventilation, it’s best to consult a roof replacement contractor.
Looking for roofers? Here’s a tip: it’s best to hire local contractors. Since they’re more familiar with the local climate and building codes, they can make better recommendations.
Berry Roofing & Solar offers a wide range of professional roofing services, including solar roofing services. To request an estimate, fill out this form.