The roof ventilation system allows cool air to enter the house and stale air to escape. The benefits of efficient air circulation are numerous. For example, ventilation prevents moisture from collecting in the house or attic, prevents the roof from overheating, and improves indoor air quality. Below are factors roofing contractors consider when designing ventilation systems.
Ventilation Capacity
You must know how much air you want to vent and install a system that meets that capacity. The ventilation capacity depends on your attic's volume (square footage and height) and climate. You don't have to install a single vent to handle your home's total capacity. Installing several vents, which add up to the required capacity, is best.
Local Climate
The local climate determines the best ventilation system in several ways. First, areas that experience heavy snowfalls require taller vents than those without significant snowfalls. The tall height ensures the vent openings are always above the snowline. Otherwise, the snow might block the vents and render them ineffective.
Secondly, areas with significant rainfalls require vent designs with drain openings that direct water down the roof. Lastly, high-humidity areas need vents that exhaust as much humidity as possible along with the air to avoid mold problems and moisture damage.
Roof design
Some ventilation systems work best on some roofs than others. For example, a pyramid hip has limited space and cannot handle as many vents as other roofs of different designs. Thus, a pyramid hip roof requires a few high-capacity vents to handle the required ventilation. In most cases, this translates to high vents on such roofs.
Curb Appeal
Some people don't want roof vents that stand out and mar their home's curb appeal. If you care for aesthetics, consider vents that sit out of the way or blend in with the roof. For example, you can match the vent's and the roof's color. The other example is a low-profile vent that you install to the rear of the house and is not easily visible from the front.
Budget
The budget also matters because materials and installation costs differ by vent type. For example, soffit ventilation can range from $2 and $10 per linear foot without labor costs, while ridge vents range from $2 to $3 per linear foot without labor costs.
You will only enjoy the ventilation benefits if you have a suitable one for your roof. Choose an experienced roofing contractor so they can design and install a suitable ventilation system for your roof.
Contact a local roofing company, such as Premier Roofing Co, to learn more.