If your home isn’t properly ventilated, you could run into several serious issues – both with your home and your health. A home without good ventilation will retain a lot of moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth and cause respiratory problems for you and your family.
Carbon monoxide can also build up without proper ventilation, putting your family at further health risk. In addition, poor ventilation will make your home more difficult to heat and cool, driving up your energy bill. There are many home and roofing ventilation systems, but the ridge vent is one of the most popular and effective. You’ll be wise to hire a professional roofing contractor to install roof vents.
What Is A Ridge Vent & Why Is It Necessary?
A ridge vent is a type of roof vent that helps improve your home’s ventilation by allowing air to flow out of the attic space. They are installed along the ridge line of your roof, running the entire length of your home. They allow warm air to escape through the top of your house while cooler air is drawn in through soffit vents (installed in the eaves of your home).
Ridge vents are an important part of a home’s ventilation system because they help to:
- Vent air: By allowing air to flow out of the attic, ridge vents help to ventilate the entire home and prevent the build-up of heat and moisture.
- Increase airflow: Ridge vents work with soffit vents to create a cross-flow of air that runs along the entire length of your home to ventilate the house more efficiently.
- Reduce moisture: By venting warm, moist air out of the attic, ridge vents help reduce the attic’s moisture levels and prevent mold and mildew growth.
Keep the temperature consistent: The increased airflow created by ridge vents helps keep the temperature inside your home more consistent. In the winter, it can help to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. In the summer, it can help keep your attic cooler, making your entire home more comfortable and reducing your energy bills.
How Do Ridge Vents Keep Water Out?
Ridge vents are designed to keep wind-blown water out while still allowing airflow. Flashing is installed over the vent to help direct water around the vent and prevent it from entering the home. In addition, most ridge vents have a rain screen that helps to further deflect water away from the vent opening. The rain screen also helps to keep insects and other pests from entering the attic through the ridge vent.
How Does A Ridge Vent Work In The Winter?
Ridge vents work in the winter by allowing warm air to escape from the attic. When the temperature inside is similar to the outside temperature, ice dams are less likely to form on your roof. The increased airflow created by the ridge vent also helps to keep the temperature in the attic more consistent, which can help to prevent condensation and moisture problems. This video gives a great visual of how a ridge vent works in both the winter and the summer.
Is A Ridge Vent Better Than Other Roof Vents?
Ridge vents are a popular choice for roof ventilation because they effectively ventilate the entire home. That said, other roof vents may work better for your home, depending on your specific needs, location, and roof architecture.
We Can Help You Choose The Best Roof Ventilation System
If you’re unsure what type of roof vent would work best for your home, give us a call at Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding. We have decades of experience helping residents in and around Phillipsburg, NJ., Clinton, PA., and Easton, PA. choose the best roof ventilation system for their needs. And we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect solution for your home too.
Contact us today!