Roof Ventilation

Roof top ventilation, which is technically attic ventilation, is a highly important element of roofing. Proper ventilation will increase the longevity of your roof.

Poor ventilation will vastly shorten the life of the materials. We see this scenario daily, roof systems failing far short of the material life expectancy. Had a very small investment been made when the roof was installed, adding proper ventilation, the roof would have lasted much longer.

Proper attic ventilation will extend the life of a roof along with reducing problems as it helps balance, or minimize the temperature differential between the air in the attic and the air outside. Simply stated; Proper ventilation will remove moisture and heat from the attic.

Trapped moisture and heat can raise energy costs by putting a load on your AC. It can also cause ice dams, damage to roof system and structural components. Not to mention, personal items stored inside the attic where temperatures can easily reach 150° F (65° C).

Trapped moisture (more of a concern in humid regions) causes condensation. Condensation that forms inside an attic can come from use of tubs, showers, washing machines, clothes dryers dish washers, etc. In extreme cases condensation can be bad enough to be mistaken for a leaking roof.

• Deck Deflection:
  The deck of the roof can warp, deteriorate, become spongy (soft)and very dangerous to walk on. The adhesives used in the plywood can deteriorate or Dry Rot. This can happen happen over the course of several years, extreme cases can develop this problem in as little as two years. This occurs because one side of plywood decking / sheeting needs be able to "breathe" by being exposed to circulating air....no circulation combined with condensation...wood cannot "breathe"
• Rust:
  In humid regions water vapor condenses first metal inside the attic; nails, plumbing straps, straps holding duct work etc. Any uncoated metal will rust over time, this could cause the metal to deteriorate to the point of failure. Rusted straps on duct work could break allowing it to fall on ceiling joists, or worse yet, through a suspended ceiling or drywall.
• Mold, Mildew, Fungi:
  While the health concern regarding mold has yet to be medically proven, mold, mildew and fungi WILL cause dry rot. Dry rot does not not remain in a localized area, it will spread and damage any lumber that is effected.
• Material Deterioration:
  Roofing materials are exposed to extreme elements on the outside. Manufacturers of the materials have accounted for the elements and constructed the materials accordingly. Extreme elements from under the materials, the attic, will not only break the materials down prematurely, but could also void the warranty from the manufacturer.

Optimum Ventilation

Proper ventilation of a roof is obviously crucial. There are a numerous types of attic vents on the market, some better than others. What is important is the components of the ventilation system. Without the proper components, the best vents on the market will be ineffective.

Optimum ventilation systems consist of two types of vents.

• Intake vents, located at the underside edge of the roof, known as the eaves. These vents allow fresh air to flow in the attic.
• Exhaust vents located near the ridge (top crest) or directly on the ridge line of the roof, depending on the vent type. These allow the air to leave the attic.

Both Intake and Exhaust vents MUST be in place, and unobstructed in order for the system to work. Properly implemented, the system uses the natural forces of wind pressure and thermal effect, referred to as the "Stack Effect" to circulate and exhaust the air in the attic.

Vent Types

SHINGLE-OVER THE ULTIMATE RIDGE VENT	Designed for RIDGE & HIP applications. Durable Polypropylene Construction.Low profile - one inch high. Vent openings designed to prevent insect and weather infiltration. External and internal baffles to prevent weather infiltration. Supportive nail holes. Alignments tabs to insure proper installation. 3 point living hinge. Conforms to any roof pitch. Self-closing ends. End plugs optional and sold separately. Limited lifetime warranty.
UNIVERSAL RIDGE VENT - ALUMINUM	Embossed Aluminum. Self-flashing. Low profile modern look blends easily with roof lines. One piece construction - no loose baffles to assemble. Saves energy by removing superheated attic air and reducing air conditioner running time. Reduces damage to painted surfaces in winter from trapped moisture. Weather baffle of aluminum is built into the ridge vent shape. Can be installed on new or existing construction. May be installed with or without connectors.
GOOSENECK VENT	With or without damper. Sheltered internal air dampers provide one-way air venting with damper. Round design provides superior air flow. Most effective when utilized in a kitchen or bath exhaust application. Self flashing flanges make for easy installation on new or existing construction. Available with dampers. Available in higher profile for tile special order. Available in both 3" and 6" sizes.
POWER VENTILATORS - ALUMINUM DOMES	Thermostatically controlled. Motor designed with thermal overload protection. Curved dome for superior air-flow. Units are UL listed. CSA approved units available.

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