Many of you have no idea what a proper roof ventilation installation consists of and I do not blame you. If this wasn’t something I call my profession I wouldn’t know the first thing about it. Fortunately for you, we did choose to be professional roofers and we do know how to do it correctly. Now for the bad part, most roofing companies out there either do not know how to properly ventilate a home. Another issue may be they intentionally don’t install it to save money. I have seen many roofing systems fail short of their anticipated lifespan because the contractor did not properly install ventilation.
Depending on the amount of exhaust ventilation needed for the attic space and the roof design, most homes need vents. For example, homes that have an ample amount of ridge line are often properly ventilated using ridge vents. If your attic is finished or the air in the space is conditioned, you may need a mechanical method of exhausting heat and moisture. You should consult a design professional or HVAC contractor to make sure your system is large enough to create the airflow needed to keep your attic cool.
How much venting do you need for your attic? The Federal Housing Administration recommends that for every 300 square feet of ceiling space, you will need a minimum of one square foot of ventilation (evenly split between intake and exhaust ventilation). Attic ventilation should always be clear of obstructions that can interfere with airflow. Local code requirements may differ, so we always make sure we are complying. The amount of exhaust ventilation provided by any system should never exceed the amount of intake ventilation from the soffit or eave vent. If it does, you may not get enough airflow to properly ventilate the attic It’s critical to always have balanced attic ventilation.