Effective roof ventilation is essential for your home as a way of preventing issues with condensation and moisture. These are issues that are particularly prevalent in attic and loft spaces. Roof vents are one of the most effective ways to deal with this issue and promote good ventilation that will keep moisture under control. With these points in mind, it is worth taking the time to answer the following question. How do roof vents work? We will take a look at how roof vent installation can benefit you and your home as well as looking at the various types of roof vents that are currently available.
The Negative Effects That Moisture Has on Attic and Loft Spaces
When your home’s roof is not properly ventilated, warm air ends up getting trapped in your attic/loft spaces. Daily activity in your home such as cooking, cleaning, showering and drying clothes ends up creating a lot of moisture that turns into condensation. Without proper ventilation to keep this issue under control, the lifespan of your home’s roof can be reduced dramatically. The buildup of moisture can also cause damage to your attic/loft’s insulation.
Though these issues might not be something that you notice on a day-to-day basis, they can compound over time and lead to expensive damage that can include rotting timber and major leaks in your ceilings. Having roof vents installed by an experienced roofing contractor is one of the most effective ways to battle against these problems and reduce the chance that you will face major structural repair expenses in the future.
Signs That You Need to Consider Installing Roof Vents
There are some key signs to look out for that indicate that you need to install roof vents into your loft/attic space. The primary sign to look out for is the presence of condensation on the inside of your roof. This can often take the form of water droplets that make it look like your roof is sweating. Another sign is the presence of a damp, musty smell and the presence of black mould.
These are signs of an attic/loft space that is not properly ventilated and needs roof vents. All of these signs tend to be the most prevalent during the winter months (between November and February) but you might continue to notice a musty smell during the summer months.
A Look at the Key Benefits of Installing Roof Vents
The primary function of roof vents is to moderate the temperatures inside your attic/roof/loft space. Roof vents are an effective way to keep this space from getting too cold or too hot. They help to keep moisture levels under control by allowing air to circulate properly. This reduced risk of condensation helps to prevent the long-term damage that moisture can cause.
Another benefit of having roof vents installed is the fact that they will help to regulate the temperature throughout the rest of your property. This can help to lower your household bills by reducing your overall energy consumption.
How Many Roof Vents Do You Need for Your Home?
The number of roof vents your home will need to promote effective air circulation will depend on several factors. These factors include the size of your home as well as its shape. Positioning, location and the number of people who reside in the building also play a role in determining the number of roof vents that you will need to have installed to get the desired benefits. It is also necessary to take into consideration your planned use of your roof space.
A factor that surprises many homeowners is the fact that the number of required roof vents can vary greatly even when comparing houses that are located on the same road. For these reasons, it is important to get a professional consultation with an experienced roofing contractor that can accurately assess the ventilation needs of your home.
The Various Types of Roof Vents Currently Available
There are many types of roof vents available on today’s market. Some of the most popular options chosen by homeowners include:
- Tile vents
- Slate vents
- Through-wall extraction vents
- Flat roof vents
- Eave vents
- Fascia vents
The type of roof vents that you choose will depend on the kind of roof that they will be used for. Speaking with a reliable and experienced roofing contractor is a crucial step that should be involved with your selection of roof vents. They can help you to optimise your roof’s ventilation efficiently. They can also help you in choosing roof vents that will work with your existing roof from an aesthetic standpoint.
The Roof Vent Installation Process
Your local roofing contractor will install roof vents to improve your home’s ventilation and reduce issues with condensation/moisture. To do this, opening points have to be created. These can be provided on the surface of the roof, the ridgeline or on the eaves/fascias/soffits. There are roof vent products that are available to work with all of these opening points.
Roofing contractors will assess your property to determine where the optimal installation points will be for your new roof vents. They will also take into consideration the effect that your new vents will have on the visual appearance of your property. The good news is that today’s roof vents are designed to blend well into the rest of your roof so that they do not take away from its aesthetics.
Speak With a Local Roofing Contractor Today If You Are Experiencing Ventilation Issues
If you are experiencing ventilation issues at your home or you simply wish to have your home’s ventilation assessed, your best move is to speak with a local roofing contractor who can determine your specific needs and make recommendations regarding the installation of roof vents. The long-term benefits of installing roof vents can truly make a difference in helping you to avoid major home repair costs in the future. They can also help you to regulate your home’s temperature more effectively and lower your energy bills.
