If you’re in the market for a new roof, you’ll want to know the most efficient way to vent your attic to help keep the temperature of your home within reasonable limits. Without proper ventilation, excess heat can seep into your living space, causing mould and possibly triggering a safety hazard. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to maximize the effectiveness of your roof and reduce its moisture content.
One of the best ways to achieve this is by installing a soffit ventilation system. The soffit is a low positioned area under the eaves of a roof that allows outside air to circulate into the attic. A soffit vent isn’t just a good idea for air circulation, it also protects your home materials from the elements.
Another good reason to make sure your attic is well ventilated is to avoid ice damming, which happens when warm air in the attic condenses on a cold surface, allowing melted snow to run down the side of the roof and refreeze. A soffit vented roof enables a much more controlled rate of evaporation, which in turn helps to keep the heat in the attic from rising to the level of your ceiling.
A properly installed soffit vent also allows for proper insulation of your attic. A modern cold roof is typically insulated at the ceiling, rather than the soffit. The colder the air, the harder it is for the hot air to escape the attic, so you’ll likely save a bundle on your heating bills if you get it right.
The best way to measure the performance of your roof’s ventilation system is to consult a roofing expert. This is particularly important if you plan to install a new ridge vent. In general, a ridge vent should be equivalent to a continuous 5mm opening at the highest point of each roof slope.
While a soffit ventilation system is the most obvious route to go, there are a variety of other methods you can follow to get the job done. For instance, you can install a soffit vent using fibreglass or PVC insulation boards to minimize the risk of condensation. You may also want to consider a slate vent, which is a bit more expensive but also the most efficient way to cool your attic. In addition, you can opt to use an eco-friendly vent turbine. This uses the wind to move air around and lower your electrical bills.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss solution, the most advisable way to do it is with a dry ridge system. This is a new way to vent your attic that combats the traditional approach to mortar and sand, and is much easier to maintain over the long haul. A dry ridge system is actually mandatory for new roof installations in the UK. It’s a small investment that will pay off in spades. Unlike the gable-end vent, the dry ridge system requires little maintenance and isn’t prone to clogging or leaks.
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