If need to reroof your home and have been asking yourself, do I need roof ventilation, know that you’re not alone. Green Eco Solutions is a home improvement contractor serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We offer a full range of roofing services, including roof replacement and repair, and we often encounter homeowners who aren’t sure what roof ventilation is, what it does, and whether or not they should replace it when their homes are re-roofed. The first thing we want homeowners to know is that the term roof is often used to refer to what is actually a roofing system, and that system has multiple components, including the shingles but also the underlayment, flashing, and ventilation.

What Is Roof Ventilation?

To answer the question, do I need roof ventilation, it’s important to understand what roof ventilation actually is. The term roof ventilation refers to a system, or a roof subsystem, made up of intake and exhaust vents that allow air to circulate through the attic. Without proper ventilation, the air in the attic is trapped and will heat up and become humid. There are many different types of attic ventilation. Most homes in our region will have gable vents on the sides and soffit vents on the eaves. The roofs themselves will at least have ridge vents and perhaps:

• Off-ridge vents
• Box vents
• Roof turbines
• Powered vents
• Solar-powered vents

What Are the Benefits of Proper Roof Ventilation?

Roof ventilation has several advantages. It primarily aids in temperature regulation within the attic, preventing excessive heat buildup during hot seasons and lowering the risk of moisture condensation during colder months. This temperature control not only protects the roof’s structural integrity but also increases the lifespan of roofing materials. Furthermore, proper roof ventilation improves indoor air quality by removing stale air, odors, and potentially harmful pollutants that can build up in the attic. This contributes to occupants having a healthier living environment. Roof ventilation can help save energy by reducing the strain on cooling systems during hot weather. It helps maintain more comfortable temperatures throughout the home by allowing hot air to escape and cooler air to circulate.

– Reduced Attic Moisture

Another reason to ensure optimal attic ventilation is that inadequate ventilation is among the leading causes of condensation in attics. That excess moisture can stain and eventually undermine wood and other construction materials, and it can lead to mold that may spread throughout your home.

– Home Comfort and Reduced Energy Costs

The typical home is designed for an attic temperature that is as close to the outdoor temperature as possible. The safe range is 10 to 20 degrees above the outdoor temperature in summer and no less than 60°F in winter. If the attic is outside the range, the HVAC system will have to work harder. That means a less comfortable home, increased energy costs, and increased HVAC maintenance costs.

– Full Roof Lifespan

Shingles get hot. That heat is transferred to the air in the attic, and if the attic is properly ventilated, that hot air is vented and replaced with cooler air. If an attic is not well-ventilated, the shingles heat to higher temperatures than they’re designed for, and that causes them to break down faster. Improperly ventilated attics are estimated to reduce shingle lifespan by approximately 24%.

Should You Replace Vents When Reroofing?

The question, do I need roof ventilation, often comes up when a homeowner is replacing their roof, and the answer is, it depends. Although not absolutely necessary, most roofing contractors will recommend that you replace the ridge vents at least, and a warranty may even require it. As for other vents, it depends on their age and condition. You also shouldn’t presume that your current ventilation is adequate as the code has evolved over the years. Instead, have a reputable roofer inspect your roof and assess whether you have enough ventilation and it is properly balanced.

Roof Ventilation in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

If you live in Eastern Pennsylvania or parts of New Jersey, Green Eco Solutions can dispatch an experienced roofer to your home to provide an assessment and answer the question, do I need roof ventilation? You can also call 1-610-973-2500 or send us a message online with any additional questions and to learn more about our services.