Ventilation

The importance of a roof ventilation system cannot be overemphasized. A properly ventilated roof consists of a balance of intake vents (located near the soffit) and exhaust vents (located at or near the ridge).

If an attic space or roof deck is not ventilated, heat and moisture can cause a roof system to fail prematurely.

The temperature in unventilated attic spaces can be as hot as 150 degrees F. This atmosphere is not good for the shingles or roof deck. It also causes increased energy expenses as hot air moves from the attic into the living spaces below.

A properly ventilated roof system allows moisture to escape through the exhaust vents, preventing the growth of mold or mildew. In winter months, ice dam formations can also be prevented by proper ventilation.

Different types of exhaust vents should not be installed in conjunction with each other. The picture below illustrates a "short-circuit" ventilation system. When a ridge vent is used in the same system as 750 vents, air from the outside will enter through the roof louvers and exhaust through the ridge vent. As a result, only a small portion of the attic space is ventilated.

Since roof louvers are considered exhaust vents, they are not designed for air intake should not be placed on lower parts of the roof. Air flowing in roof louvers may allow moisture to enter an attic space.

Another common mistake is installing a power vent and a ridge vent on the same roof. The power vent will not ventilate the attic air but instead pulls outside air in through the ridge vent.

Many homes built before 1960 do not contain an overhang or soffit area, making the intake ventilation process difficult. Deer Park Roofing Inc. was one of the first companies to recognize this problem and seek a solution.

"The Vented Fascia Board" was designed and developed by Deer Park Rofing, Inc. and is currently being marketed and manufactured by Crane Products Ltd.