Ventilation: Why It’s An Important Part Of Your Roof

You may have noticed that oddly raised area along the ridge of your central Ohio home’s shingled roof. Perhaps you know what it is (ridge vents), perhaps not. But do you know the part ridge vents play in the proper functioning of your roof? 

Ohio homes from the mid-1970s usually lacked attic insulation. Instead, the attics were either tightly sealed up or left with major air gaps beneath the roof, allowing air to move freely and leaving cold spots throughout the house. Energy costs were low, and home air conditioning was uncommon. Tightened energy supplies, rising costs, and central air conditioning changed roofing and homebuilding. Ohio homes should have thick, proper attic insulation and proper ventilation.

Your home’s attic should be a Goldilocks zone — not too hot or cold, and neither airtight nor wide open. For your roof and attic to function correctly, air must flow in at the eaves (through soffit vents) and out the top through ridge vents, gable vents, or powered ventilators.

After your roofer expertly installs a new shingle roof, the workers will cut a long, narrow slit along the ridge, right through the sheathing. This is covered with a thick plastic webbing and capped with shingles that match the rest of your roof. This raised area allows air to exit the roof without letting insects or rodents into your attic. 

If your home does not have ridge vents, look for gable vents (Clark Griswold pokes his head through one in “ Christmas Vacation,” when he’s trapped in the attic). No gable vents? Expect to see powered vents that create a constant draw of fresh air up from the soffits. 

Proper ventilation— whether from ridge vents, gable vents, or powered vents — keeps your roof healthy by lowering attic humidity, matching the temperature of outside air, and keeping the sheathing cool. Attic ventilation primarily benefits your roof, while attic insulation benefits your living space. With an attic having the same temperatures and humidity levels as outdoors (thanks to ventilation), your interior living space stays cozy and comfortable, separated from the attic air by a thick blanket of attic insulation. 

If you have concerns about your attic ventilation, your local, residential roofer is a great resource. Your home in central Ohio and Cape Coral, FL, can benefit from the work performed by Allstate Exteriors & Restoration Services LLC. Contact us today to learn all we can do to ensure your home has adequate attic ventilation, roofing, gutters, and siding.