Roofing Ventilation Problems

Attic Temperature

• Attic temperature depends on the amount of solar radiation, construction materials used and ventilation. Attics can exceed temperatures of 160 degrees in summer months. These temperatures make working in an attic dangerous, as heat exhaustion, heat stroke or even death are possible consequences. Attic heat can also build if not properly ventilated. With enough heat present, it can begin to radiate or warm surrounding building materials. This makes it possible for some of the heat to be transferred back into the living space below. Also, if there is not a vapor barrier present, moisture from the home can travel into the attic space. There it can condense from a gas to a liquid, causing the possible destruction of insulation and other building materials.

Soffit Ventilation

• Soffit vents are a way to help resolve roofing ventilation problems. They are small vents cut into the soffits or underside eaves on the outside of a home. Since hot air rises, these vents don't expel heat. Rather, they work by introducing fresh outside air into the attic.

Turbine Ventilation

• Turbine vents resemble roof-mounted circular wind vanes. They work with the passage of wind over each turbine louver. As the wind pushes the louvers, the turbine spins. The spinning motion creates suction from below the turbine. This suction pulls hot air from the attic upward and discharges it from the roof.

Ridge Ventilation

• A ridge vent is a narrow opening that runs along the ridge or peak of the roof line. Attic heat is discharged from the opening. Shingles typically cover the sides to keep rain from blowing into the attic. A continuous ridge vent spans a length of the roof's ridge without stopping.

Other Ventilation

• Other methods exist for controlling roofing ventilation problems. There are solar vents that are activated by the sun. While they are energy efficient, the drawback is that on cloudy or rainy days, the vent may not have adequate power. This is why some prefer electric vents. These are exhaust-type fans that operate off electricity to discharge attic heat. Models are available in different sizes and power consumptions.