Entire careers are built around attic and roof ventilation. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about which kind of roof vent your home needs, you’re not alone. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which roof vent is best for you.
Calculate Air Flow Needs
First, determine how much venting your home requires. Ideally, your roof should have a minimum of one square foot of ventilation, split between intake and exhaust vents, for every 300 square feet of attic floor space. The amount of ventilation per vent is expressed as net free area, or NFA, and will be listed in product descriptions.
To calculate your venting needs, multiply the length and width of the attic to determine the total attic floor space. Divide the total by 300. That number is the total NFA your attic requires including intake and exhaust. Divide the amount in half to determine how much of each you need.
Appearance
Consider how new vents will affect the appearance of your home. Now that you’ve figured out how much net free area of venting is required for your roof, you can figure out, from product descriptions, how many of a particular vent type you need.
Each type of vent has unique appearance qualities. Ridge vents can be barely noticeable from a distance and might not affect the appearance of your home at all, while turbine style vents will be very noticeable from the street if they’re not intentionally placed out of view. Some homeowners prefer the look of having turbines, or other vents, in plain view as an accent.
Power roof vents and box vents have low profiles and are relatively discreet, while gable vents can add a touch of style by breaking up a large field of uninterrupted siding.
Climate
The weather where you live may determine which vents are best for your house. Low profile ridge vents and box vents are often the choice of homeowners and builders in locations where high winds are probable.
Homes in very wet locations may consider gable venting as the best option to keep the number of, potentially vulnerable, holes in the roof to a minimum.
Power vents will provide the biggest benefits in hot climates where decreasing the amount of hot air in the attic is most important.
Durability and Warranty
As with most things, you’ll want to choose a venting system that’s worth your money. A long warranty is a good start. After all, the venting should, at the very least, last as long as a new roof installation does. But, in addition to the duration of the warranty, be sure to understand exactly what situations and parts the warranty covers. This will give you an idea of the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability.
Talk to a Professional
The single best way to figure out which roof venting system is right for you is to talk with a roofing contractor. They’ll be able to determine your roof’s venting needs and are likely to have a selection of options for you to choose from.
Why Roof Ventilation Is Important
It is incredibly important to make sure your home and roof have proper ventilation. The ventilation is good for all of the extra moisture and heat that tends to accumulate in attics. Whether you live in a cold climate or a hot one, the water buildup can cause structural damage and be costly to repair. Whenever possible, it’s important to start with the best roof ventilation that works for your budget.