In Florida, the weather is normally mellow and pleasant — summers are long, very warm and moderately humid, while winters are mild with recurrent flurries of cold air — making it one of the top states with the best climate year-round. However, this is also something that must be taken into consideration when planning to build or remodel a home in this location: roof vents. An often overlooked component of a roof, ventilation ensures a healthy and long-lasting structure and helps create a comfortable living space.
In this article, Next Level Roofers, one of the leading roofing companies in Florida, discusses why homeowners living in The Sunshine State should not skimp on roof ventilation.
What Are Roof Vents?
In general, ventilation refers to the process wherein clean, fresh air is supplied to a singular space and moist, stale air is removed. It focuses on maintaining stable and conditioned air, be it warm or cold, to encourage an efficient and safe enclosed environment.
Here are two types of roof vents that you should know about:
- Intake vents allow outside air to flow into areas of ventilation, which is why they are installed along the lowest eave or near eaves. Since these specific vents are necessary for the free movement of air, make sure they remain unobstructed by insulation or other natural elements — or else, you will be dealing with a lot of precipitation as well as animals and insects infestation.
- Exhaust vents are located along with the high points of your roof. Mainly, they work hand-in-hand with the intake vents and are responsible for letting the air inside the attic and ventilation ducts escape your home. There are several types of exhaust vents, such as the ridge, which is found along the length of the roof, the static, which is installed in the building’s walls, and the turbine, which relies on the wind to rotate their fan blades.
Top roofing companies understand that both installation and design are integral to the success of roof ventilation. It is important to have well-constructed roof vents so that a range of problems can be prevented, such as pest infestation and unwanted heat gain or loss. Any sort of blockage in the ventilation system should be addressed in a timely manner so that its performance will not be compromised. From a simple roof inspection to routine cleaning and maintenance, hiring a professional roofing contractor to ensure that everything is functioning properly and at an optimal level is vital.
Why Do You Need Roof Vents?
A roof ventilation system provides an array of benefits when installed skillfully and according to the design and size specifications of your roof. Here are three of the biggest advantages of roof vents:
1. Reduce Moisture
In South Florida, the climate is hot and fairly humid. This can often result in moisture buildup in the attic, especially if the insulation is poor, as well as affect the ceiling and interior walls. Your day-to-day household activities, such as showering, cooking and washing, can also further contribute to the increased amount of moisture indoors.
According to roofers, too much moisture in the attic brings plenty of bad news. For instance, allergens thrive in homes with high humidity levels, which can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in the residents. Bacteria, mold and mildew also multiply rapidly in a moist environment. Moreover, condensation on windows can take form, causing wooden frames to rot and deteriorate.
It is crucial not to underestimate the impact of the local climate and environment on your roofing system, including what transpires inside your living space, before it is too late and you are facing a persistent and expensive dilemma. Fortunately, vents are not only capable of alleviating the symptoms of excessive moisture, but can also prevent it from occurring in the first place by supporting healthy airflow and circulation inside the home.
2. Protect Your Roof
Since South Florida is more inclined to warmer weather, people living in the state do not need to get too worked up about staying warm and toasty during cold winter months. In the area’s specific type of climate, homeowners are more focused on staying cool and cozy during hotter temperatures, from staying well hydrated to taking frequent cold showers and being dependent on the air conditioning unit. In hot and humid climates, roof ventilation can also be an incredible lifesaver. However, this is not solely for the benefit of keeping comfortable when lounging at home.
Hot air rises and cold air falls. This simple fact of physics has a dramatic effect on how professional roofers handle roof ventilation. If your roof has insufficient ventilation, hot air will flow into the attic space, accumulate at high speed and cause damage to the roofing materials, such as the shingles and roof decking. If roof shingles are worn and loose, strong gusts of wind will be able to lift them up and tear them off the roof. Moisture trapped in the attic can also weaken the plywood roof sheathing and cause the layers of plywood to separate. It can also lead to mold forming on roof rafters, roofing joists and attic floor joists. If the problem becomes so severe, there is a good chance that you will have to remove and replace your entire roofing system from top to bottom.
3. Lower Utility Costs
As mentioned above, roof vents are great tools for temperature control. Since your roof can become extremely hot, no thanks to the constant glare of the sun and hot air rising to the attic, the rest of your home also heats up. If this happens, homeowners with poor roof ventilation or no roof ventilation at all will have to crank up the air conditioner in order to cool down and avoid an agonizing experience at home. Besides, the hot air that has accumulated in the attic has no means of escaping, making indoor comfort issues worse.
Meanwhile, a roof that has a proper ventilation system can relish the benefits of a cooler and more refreshing home, reducing the need for more cooling. This leads to lower energy usage and, consequently, lower utility bills. It also helps reduce the demand for new roof replacement, which contributes to more savings.
Conclusion
In essence, good ventilation can save you a lot of time, effort and money. Roof vents, both intake and exhaust vents, are designed to work alongside each other to encourage effective airflow, allowing the roof and home to remain in tip-top condition. They assist in warding off excess moisture and mold growth, all the while creating pleasant temperatures throughout your living space and improving energy efficiency. Finally, with expertly designed and installed roof vents, you will end up spending fewer banknotes on avoidable roof repairs and utility expenses.
Contact Next Level Roofers for Professional Roofing Services
A well-ventilated roof is a key to a comfortable and efficient home. If you are experiencing airflow issues, Next Level Roofers is more than ready to help you. We are a premier source of top-rated residential roofing solutions, including roof ventilation, roof replacement and new construction roof installation, in and around Orlando, Florida. Our experienced team is committed to creating the living experience every homeowner deserves through industry-leading products and outstanding customer service. Call us today at (407)-237-7960 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
