A roof serves multiple purposes for a given home or building, and one of these that cannot be overlooked is the cycling and removal of stale air and moisture from the attic. A few components are important for carrying out this role, and one of the most vital is known as a roof ridge vent.
At Whitaker Roofing, we’re proud to offer the very best roof repair and roof replacement services available in Salt Lake City, attending to every important component of a given roof – ridge vents among them. What exactly is a ridge vent, which roles does it play and how does it manage them, and how can you avoid certain minor issues with your ridge vents over time? This two-part blog will go over everything you need to know.
What is a Ridge Vent?
For those just learning about home roofs and roofing components, a ridge vent is essentially an opening that runs along the top of a given roof. The most common form is made from plastic or metal, although other materials such as asphalt can also be found. This vent allows for air to be cycled into and out of the attic, providing both ventilation and insulation benefits throughout the structure.
A ridge vent will first feature an air slot that’s made in your roof decking, allowing for air to travel from the attic up and out of your roof. Above this slot is where the ridge vent is actually installed, and when the two are combined, you get an efficient air cycling system.
The Purposes of a Ridge Vent
Now that we know what it is, let’s go over why ridge vents are so important for your home or building.
First off, they help to promote proper insulation within the attic. As warm air rises, it will move through the ridge vent and escape, allowing for cooler air to be cycled in below. This is why an efficient ridge vent can help to reduce your energy bills over time – you’ll need less heat or cooling from interior sources, since your attic will stay at a more consistent temperature.
Second, proper ventilation also ensures that moisture and humidity are kept in. This can help to prevent the development of mold and mild, as well as damage from moisture to wood elements or insulation
Finally, a ridge also provides a number of benefits during the winter months. With an efficient air flow circulating throughout your attic, you’ll be able to provide a more consistent temperature which will help to prevent any damage from the extreme cold.
In part two of this blog, we’ll go over how to avoid certain issues with your ridge vent and how often you should be inspecting it for any signs of wear or damage. Stay tuned!
For more information about our roof repair and roof replacement services in Salt Lake City, contact our team at Whitaker Roofing today.