Before we delve into how much roof ventilation costs, let’s take a look at its importance. When building a roof without air intakes and vents, the heat from the sun can cause hot air to build up in the attic. This heat could radiate to other areas of a home, causing unbearable indoor conditions during the summer. On a typical 90 ° F hot day, the temperature could rise to 140 ° F when there is little air flow. In addition to the heat, moisture in the attic could cause serious problems in the future if proper ventilation is not installed.

Roof shingles and deck could suffer and deteriorate prematurely. Radiating heat could also mean that air conditioning units and other refrigeration units have to work harder to keep the temperature down, ultimately increasing your electricity bill.

Discovering how vents work

There are benefits to having a fully functioning ventilation system all year round. Roof vents work by allowing air to move freely from one point on the roof to another. This ensures that moisture and heat are not transferred out of the roof, keeping the house cool. These systems usually have several components systematically placed for optimal operation. This air movement can be achieved in two different ways: mechanical and natural. The natural movement of air is driven by the effect of the chimney or the wind. Meanwhile, mechanical ventilation systems use electric motors.

Mechanical systems are the most effective. A motorized system can efficiently transfer hot and cold air. However, there are some advantages and disadvantages to this type of ventilation solution. First, some fans require more than 100 W of electricity to run. This could significantly increase your electricity bill. Installation is also more complicated and, in most cases, may require professional help. There are also solar powered fans that allow off-grid operation, but they are a bit pricey.

How Much Roof Ventilation Do I Need?

Having enough airflow in your attic definitely keeps electricity bills low during the summer. Blowing out hot air not only keeps your entire home cool, it also protects the roof structure from moisture damage. However, most homeowners don’t know how much airflow they need in their home. Better to know how much you really need. This is to ensure that you have enough air flow to keep the temperature in your attic relatively tolerable.

It is relatively easy to know how much ventilation you need for your attic. Generally, you would need 1 vent area (about 1 square foot in size) for every 150 square feet. Assuming your attic has around 450 square feet of space, you would need to install at least 3 roof vents.

The recommended vent allocation is 60% and 40%. The 60% vents would be located in the ceiling area and as cited in the example above, there must be 2 ceiling vents installed. The other 40% is for a ridge vent. The type of ventilation may depend on the climate and your preferences. If you are still undecided, you should consult a professional for a second opinion.