Roof ventilation allows air to flow in and out of your attic. Good airflow helps regulate the temperature in your business. This means that with the right roof ventilation, you can help keep your business warm in winter and cool in summer. Good roof ventilation can also protect your roof against mold and mildew.
If your attic is stiflingly hot during summer, you probably need to improve your roof ventilation. The same is true if you see condensation or frost on your attic's ceiling in winter.
A professional roofer can inspect your attic and roof and make the necessary improvements to your roof's ventilation. Here are some of the most common ways a roofer can improve roof ventilation.
Soffit vents
If your roof has an overhang, you should be able to see the soffits, which are planks that extend from the roof overhang to the walls of your business. To bring more cool air into your roof space, you can install soffit vents. Roofers also call these vents "intake vents". If you have an equal number of these on both sides of your business, you can bring in cool air to cool your business during hot summers.
Ridge vents
Ridge vents work side by side with soffit vents to cool attics. You can have a roofer place ridge vents along the peak of your roof. Ridge vents work by giving hot air an outlet to exit your attic. So with both soffit vents and ridge vents, you have a continuous stream of air entering and leaving your business.
Gable vents
For some businesses, especially large businesses, you need additional ways to ventilate the roof space. You can improve your roof's ventilation further by adding gable vents. Gable vents allow air to flow into an attic at each of the gable ends of a roof.
In most cases, soffit vents, ridge vents, and gable vents should provide sufficient ventilation for a roof and attic.
Turbine vents
In some situations, especially in very hot climates, turbine vents can become a useful addition to a roof. Once activated, turbine vents or roof fans pull hot air out of the attic. A simple way to ensure your turbine fans only work when necessary is to connect them to the thermostat. Connecting your turbine vents to the thermostat means that the vents will only activate at a certain temperature.
If you are seeing signs that your roof ventilation is insufficient for your roof, contact a roofer near you. A roofer can help you decide what you need and then take care of the installation process. Reach out to a commercial roofing repair service to learn more.
Roof problems can go from minor to really scary in no time at all. One day you have a little leak, and the next you're left with major water damage in your attic. But it does not have to be this way. Well-informed homeowners know how to recognize roof leaks, and they know the importance of regular maintenance for roof longevity.
How do you become one of those well-informed homeowners? By visiting our website, of course! Here, we have articles about common roofing problems, hiring a roofer, choosing a good roof, and even DIY repairs. Every home has a roof, and every homeowner should know the basics about roofing.