Why Your Attic Needs Proper Ventilation

As the sun beats down on your roof, it’s crucial to have proper attic ventilation to direct moist heat out of and fresh, cool air into your home.

A proper attic ventilation system moderates the temperatures inside your home year-round, and it’s especially important during the summer. The sun is out more often and for longer periods of time, and its UV rays are warming your roof with more intensity. If not properly ventilated, this excess heat and moisture may increase the overall temperature of your home and damage your shingles, roof decking, wood framing, ceilings, siding, and paint.

So, how do you properly ventilate your attic?

There are a few major components to help your attic “breathe” better. You can properly ventilate your attic passively, through intake vents such as soffits or with an exhaust vent along your roof's ridge. Alternatively, an attic fan provides active ventilation, with an automatic thermostat unit kicking the fan into gear when the attic heats above a certain temperature and/or humidity level. You should have either passive or active ventilation, as having both in tandem causes the fan to pull air from the vents rather than from the eaves, undermining the goal of even air flow.

If you live in the Greater Richmond, VA area and are interested in having your attic ventilation assessed, give our Retex Roofing & Exteriors team a call at (804) 442-3314 or click the button below to tell us more about your project.