The purpose of attic ventilation is to keep air circulating in order to maintain freshness and reduce moisture. However, this feature is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the home. Below you will find the three most common myths about attic ventilation.
The more ventilation, the better.
This is incorrect. The amount of ventilation you need will depend on the size of your home. Too little ventilation can cause moisture problems and lead to water damage during the winter and poor energy efficiency in the summer. Too much ventilation could expose your roof to the elements, making it vulnerable to leaks and weather damage. Experts say that for every 300 square feet of ceiling space, you should have one square foot of attic ventilation.
You don’t need attic ventilation if you live in a cold climate.
Many homeowners believe that the sole purpose of ventilation in the attic is to keep the house cool during the summer and increase energy efficiency. While this is one benefit of having roof vents, it is not the only one. In fact, attic ventilation is arguably more important during the winter than during the hot summer months. Preventing moisture from entering the home and avoiding water damage is one of the greatest benefits of attic ventilation, and this is much more of a problem in colder climates.
Roof vents will let out all the warm air during the winter.
Because heat rises, many people assume that attic vents release the warm air that rises from the bottom of the house to the top. If this is happening in your home, then you have an even bigger problem with your insulation because your HVAC system should not be heating your attic. With proper insulation, the warm air will not rise into the attic; rather your attic will be heated by the sun beating down on the roof.
A roof service should inspect your roof at least once or twice a year. Use this opportunity to discuss attic ventilation with roofing experts. Attic ventilation works with all roof types, including flat roofs, shingled roofs, and slate roofs.
