How to Vent Timber Frame Roof Systems

Examine your house eaves and roof for existing vents. Note every vent in soffits, under eaves or in walls. They should be open and not covered with anything. Note any rooftop or upper attic vents. On gable roofs, these may be near the peak of the triangle. Check to make sure they are not plugged up by leaves or debris. A good venting system will have openings at the bottom in the soffit for air to enter and at the top or peak for air to exit. It relies on thermal energy to carry air into and out of the attic.

Explore alternatives if your current attic venting system is inadequate. One popular item is a metal "pot" vent. It is a tube from the attic through the roof with a rounded vent on top and often with a fan inside that is activated by thermal air flow. These work well when properly installed, but must have an lower entry point for air to create a flow. They can be placed in an exterior wall or behind gutters on the side of a house. A roofer or building supply store can suggest various styles, how many vents should be installed and where.

Consider an innovative "drip edge" system if your house is not built for soffit vents or vents cut through a wall. These drip edge systems install at the edges of eaves, where metal drip edge flashing is often placed to prevent water damage from runoff. They are made of vinyl or roll-formed aluminum. They go under the roofing to allow air flow under the roof into the attic. The air then is vented through vents on the facing of gable roofs or vents that can be hidden under cap shingles or mounted almost flush to the roof top.