Are you familiar with roof vents? These elements are often neglected by many. Though they may not be as popular as windows, siding or gutters, they shouldn’t be ignored. There are many amazing benefits that one could get from having functional and effective roof vents.
If you want to know more about roof vents and how they can help your property in general, keep on reading…
What are Roof Vents?
Roof vents are important to any Canton OH home because of the critical role they play. To understand the value of having one, we should first discuss and find out what roof vents are.
There are different types of roof vents (of which we’ll talk about later in this post). Regardless of which type you go for, the main functions are the same:
- To let cool air enter the roof down to the attic area.
- To release hot and moist air for temperature regulation.
From the word “vent”, it is the process to continuously improve the airflow condition. As a result, roof vents maintain the temperature balanced at all times.
Top 3 Benefits of Roof Vents
As promised, we’ll share with you the benefits of roof vents that are truly valuable for your homes.
Top 1 – Helps Lower Energy Consumption
Would you believe that roof vents can help lower your utility bills? Because roof vents help release trapped heat from your attic, it wouldn’t be too warm inside your property even during summer months. In the long run, you wouldn’t need to turn on your cooling appliances as often if there’s a balanced temperature. As a result, bills would go down and you would also depend less on them which has a positive impact on the environment. A win-win situation if you prioritize the value of roof vents and proper ventilation.
Top 2 – Keeps the Attic Moisture-Free
Roof vents can keep your attic and roof area free from moisture. Due to this, there’s no opportunity for moisture to build up and proliferate. What does this mean for you as a homeowner? Bear in mind that unwanted moisture in delicate areas can lead to serious water damages like recurring leaks, molds, and more. Molds, in particular, could bring diseases as they release toxins in the air.
Related: 5 Crucial Signs You Need Emergency Roof Leak Repair
Top 3 – Prevents Ice Dam Build-up
Proper roof and attic ventilation will help prevent ice dams. They may look nice up on your roof because they appear into solid crystal-like formations but they are harmful in general. Ice dams can damage the roof’s surface. Furthermore, the added weight can take a toll on the foundation’s structural integrity. They are also responsible for other roofing problems like leaks and stains.
What are the Best Roof Vents for Houses?
Roof vents come in different shapes, sizes, materials, etc. But what are the best roof vents out there? You can consult a professional roofing company to know what will work best for your existing or future home. Attempting to choose on your own may create more issues than to present the expected solutions.
Without further ado, these are some of the roof vent variations available in the market:
Box Vents
Box vents come in a wide array of color selections. They are available in hard plastic or metal. They also do not have any moving part as they are a static kind of roof vent. Usually, you can find them close to the roof ridges. These are the areas where they can best release a maximum amount of attic heat and moisture.
Off-Ridge Vents
Off-ridge vents are also static. They normally longer and thinner than a box vent. These are installed in sets for maximum ventilation.
Ridge Vents
Like the first two types, ridge vents are static as well. If you’ll notice pyramid-shaped vents facing the roof, they’re probably ridge vents. You’re most likely to find them at the roofline blending in with the roof’s design
The shape of a ridge vent has a purpose. It helps distribute airflow evenly. Unlike other vents that may concentrate on certain areas only, ridge vent regulates the temperature entirely.
Wind Turbines
This is an example of a wind turbine. It works with the help of natural wind pressure.
Wind turbines are the opposite of static roof vents. They have moving parts, hence the term ‘turbines’. They are powered by natural airflow which drives their motion. The stronger the wind intensity is, the faster they can release more air.
It is the turbine that’s responsible for regulating the temperature as it draws out the hot air outside to let some fresher come in.
One downside of wind turbines is the noise that they produce. Some owners complain of bothersome squeaking sounds. Make sure that you choose premium materials so that there will be minimal noise.
Power Attic Vents (PAVs)
Power Attic Vents (PAVs) need electricity in order to function (hence the term ‘power’). They have motors that are responsible for driving the movement of the vents. They also have fans that release warm air and moisture. There’s a wide color selection as well to match your property. What’s great about them is that they are silent, unlike wind turbines. However, you have to watch out for issues that may go unnoticed due to the fact that they don’t produce any kind of sound.
There are PAVs that come with adjustable thermostats to help set the desired temperature. It automatically prompts the PAVs to regulate airflow when a specific attic temperature level is reached. You can also find more technical PAVs that come with humidistats. They can detect the humidity levels which then prompt an action as needed.
Nowadays, people are looking for more sustainable solutions. PAVs are one of them as you can also connect them to solar panels, thus, making them more energy-efficient.
Soffit Vents
Made from either PVC or aluminum, soffit vents support the roof’s primary ventilation system. They work in the background to help increase the airflow. You can find them in the soffits and eaves.
Cupola Vents
This is an example of an old cupola installed in a house roof. Cupolas are usually built for decorative purposes, however, they can also contribute to airflow regulation.
If you are looking for a roof vent that would increase your property’s curb appeal, there’s what we call cupola vents. Their main function is to beautify the roof. Yes, they can also contribute to the airflow regulation but there should be a main ventilation system.
Wrapping Up
You cannot miss out on roof vents installation because of the benefits that they bring. They are responsible for keeping the temperature balanced day in and day out (even during hotter months).
“How many roof vents do I need?”
“Can I install a roof vent on my own?”
“What is the best roof vent?”
If you have more specific questions about roof vents, you can always talk to the Canton OH roofing experts. Silver Leaf Contracting is available to take your concerns and address them professionally to make sure that you’ll have better roofing and proper ventilation. Reach out to our team via 330-935-9027.
