Roof vents are one of the most misunderstood and underappreciated components of your roofing system. In fact, most people don’t know what roofing ventilation is or that they even have it for their homes. However, despite these facts, your roof would be in danger of mold, mildew, rot, and other problems without proper ventilation. 

If you want to know more about roof ventilation solutions and why they’re an important part of your home, keep reading. This article will discuss common problems that arise when you have improper ventilation, who to contact for the best roof ventilation solutions in Amarillo, and much more. 

What is Roof Ventilation and How Does It Work? 

As the name implies, roof ventilation, also known as attic ventilation, is what allows air to flow through your attic and escape through the roof. Without roof ventilation, your attic would fill with stale, moist air and wouldn’t have anywhere to go. This could lead to mold, mildew, and moisture buildup that naturally floats upward and attaches to the bottom of your roof. Over time, this could lead to roof rot, leaks, and other problems. 

Roof ventilation solutions also keep your attic from overheating. If you’ve ever had to poke your head into your attic in the middle of summer, you know what a risk and hazard this can be. If enough hot air accumulates in your attic, it will have nowhere else to go and eventually enter your home. This could lead to a spike in energy bills as your AC works non-stop to cool your home down. 

How Does Roof Ventilation Work? 

Roof vents are actually quite simple in their design and how they work. While there are many different types of roof vents to accommodate homes of every style, they all utilize the same principles. 

First, roof vents are designed to let air inside of your attic escape outside. This is known as an exhaust system. Second, roof vents also let fresh air enter your attic from outside, known as an intake system. The constant intake of fresh air and output of stale air keeps the air in your attic flowing and as fresh as possible. 

What is the Purpose of Roof Ventilation? 

In the same way that the implementation of roof ventilation is quite simple, so, too, is their purpose – to keep air flowing through your attic. Continuous airflow is important, both during the winter and summer. To make this happen, roofs will utilize several different types of roof ventilation solutions. 

Different Types of Roof Ventilation Solutions 

The reason there are different types of roof vents is because air doesn’t always flow the same way. In the summer, for instance, hot air will rise, which means roof vents needs to be located overhead to allow air to escape. In the winter, however, the air in your attic will be cold rather than hot. Unlike hot air, cold air is very heavy and drops down, which means you need to have low roof vents as well. As such, here are the four most common types of roof ventilation solutions. 

Ridge Vents 

Ridge vents are located along the top or ridge of your roof. They are built into your roof when it’s constructed and allow hot air to freely exit your attic and into the atmosphere. Ridge vents are most common on standard houses with plenty of pitch but aren’t an option for flat roofs because of how they’re designed. 

Soffit Vents 

While ridge vents take care of getting hot air out of your attic, soffit vents help get rid of cold air. Soffit vents are installed in line with your gutter system and are located along the bottom edge of your roof. Soffit vents get rid of cold air during winter but allow hot air to enter during summer. 

Turbine Vents 

In situations where natural, passive roof vents aren’t enough, you can opt to install one or more turbine vents. Turbine vents are small tower-like vents that protrude through your roof from inside the attic. They’re electrically powered and actively draw air out of your attic, similar to how a fan operates. 

Hood Vents 

Finally, you also have the option of installing one or more hood vents for your roof. Like turbine vents, hood vents are installed in your attic, with their top sticking through the roof. Hood vents can be either electrically powered or allow air to flow through them naturally. 

Benefits of Proper Roof Ventilation 

Proper roof ventilation is absolutely essential if you want a long-lasting, durable roof. In addition to adding years of life to your roof, proper ventilation will also keep small problems and repairs from popping up. Additionally, depending on the type of ventilation system you have, they don’t cost very much to install and are implemented by your roofer during the construction of the roof. 

In addition to adding years of life to your roof, attic ventilation will also save money on your energy bills. Additionally, because your HVAC system won’t have to run as long or as often, thanks to adequate airflow, your furnace and AC will last longer! 

Complications of Improper Roof Ventilation 

Just as there are numerous benefits when you have proper roof ventilation, there are also many complications that stem from improper ventilation. 

• Stagnant, moldy air in your attic during summer. 

• Moisture accumulation on the bottom of your roof results in roof rot and leaks. 

• You’ll have to replace your roof sooner. 

• Roofs with poor attic ventilation will have ice buildup. 

• Your home’s interior will be hot during summer and cold during winter, sending your HVAC system into overdrive. 

If you want to avoid these complications, contact us at KangaRoof for the best roof ventilation solutions in Amarillo. 

Roof Ventilation Solutions in Amarillo

As you can see, it’s important to have the right roof ventilation solutions for your Amarillo home or business. Otherwise, you’re putting your roof at risk for a wide range of problems that could lead to a premature replacement. If you want to ensure your roof gets the protection it needs, contact us at KangaRoof. 

We’ll help you decide which types of roof ventilation solutions are right for you and determine what degree of ventilation you need. You can rest assured that your roof will last as long as possible when you entrust us with the installation.