3 Quick Roof Vent Care Tips
Roof ventilation serves a crucial purpose. It allows air to flow through your attic, keeping the heat and humidity at bay.
When you have adequate roof ventilation, you are ensuring the longevity of your roof because who wants to pay for a roof replacement twice when you can maintain your roof with proper ventilation.
However, it’s not just as simple as installing some vents and the top and bottom of your roof. You should follow maintenance steps if you want to keep your ventilation system in top condition.
If you’re here, that means you’re not a roofing or ventilation expert, and that’s okay! Rescue My Roof has spent the last ten years educating people just like you and giving them the information they need to make good decisions for their homes.
We are extending that same information to you, regardless of whether or not we are the roofing contractor for you. We want you to have a pain-free roofing experience with incredible results.
In this article, we will be covering the ins and outs of how to care for your vent system. And by the end, you will have the skills you need to keep your vents clean and your home safe.
Best Practice Roof Vent Maintenance Tips
Ventilation on your roof is designed to prevent hot, humid air from getting trapped in your attic space. Intake and exhaust vents allow air to circulate through your attic, keeping everything dry and your roof at an even temperature.
When you don’t have enough intake or exhaust vents or have insulation blocking the vents you do have, it can be a recipe for disaster.
Here are some consequences of inadequate or blocked roof vents:
- Mold or mildew growth in the attic
- Increased chance of ice dams
- Extreme home temperatures
- Roof water damage
- Higher energy bills
You can avoid these issues by checking your ventilation at least twice a year and maintaining your vent system.
Here are three tips to keep your vents in great shape.
1. Checking Roof Vents for Clogs
Roof vents are designed for air to flow through. Occasionally, insulation or critters like birds may create blockages in your vent system.
Ensure no bird nests or insulation restricting airflow when checking your vent system.
If you do not have access to your roof, don’t fret! You can check your ventilation from your attic space.
By looking up and through the vents, you may be able to see and fix any clogs you find.
2. Clean Your Vents Twice A Year
Cleaning your vents is essential to ensure no debris or dust restricting airflow.
Checking your vents in the spring and fall will ensure that any leaves, twigs, birds, or bees won’t have the opportunity to take up long-term residency in your vents.
You can use blasts of compressed air to blow away any dirt or dust. Microfiber rags can also help collect any debris lingering in the vents.
3. Find the Right Ventilation For Your Home
Not all roof ventilation systems are made equally. Different types of vents may affect your home’s efficiency differently.
For example, there is active ventilation and passive ventilation.
Active ventilation uses a motor, fan blade, or turbine to aid the airflow in an attic space.
This type of ventilation will replace the air inside the attic with fresh air from outside faster than passive ventilation due to more consistent airflow.
Passive vents, unlike active vents, don’t use a motor, fan blades, or a turbine. They only rely on the natural airflow through the space to keep air circulating in your attic.
This means that the amount of air flowing through your attic is dependent on the attic’s temperature, moisture content of the air, wind speed, roof pitch, and roof height.
Here are some things you should take into consideration when choosing roof ventilation:
- The Style of your Home
- The weather in your area
- Your budget
- Energy bill increases
- The amount of upkeep
Click here to learn more about the available types of roof ventilation.
Remedies for Poor Roof Ventilation
Now that you know how to maintain your roof vents, it’s time to check up on your roof to see how it’s holding up.
Why risk dealing with ice dams, high energy bills, inefficient heating and cooling, and more? Call a local roofing contractor to perform an inspection and determine if your ventilation system is up to par.
Many roofing contractors offer free estimates, so take advantage of it today to ensure your ventilation isn’t stirring up trouble on your roof.
Continue your roofing education today with “What to Expect at Your Roof Estimation Appointment” and “9 Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring A Roofing Contractor.”
If you live in the greater Milwaukee area, Rescue My Roof can perform this service for you! Contact us today to book your free estimate appointment, and we will ensure your roof and ventilation are in good shape.