How Does Roof Vents Work

Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents.

How does roof vents work.

Hot air exhaust vents located at the peak of the roof allow hot air to escape. The vent stack is the pipe leading to the main roof vent. A drip edge vent is made of a corrosive resistant material that sticks out about three inches back from the roof edge and then bends downward over them. Requires a power source.

Flat roof vents have no moving parts to break or squeak but don t vent as much air as wind driven vents. Drip edge vents are a two in one installation that promote water shedding at the eaves and rakes of a roof while also allowing for ventilation into the attic. Ventilation only works when air flows. This will prevent black mold from growing in your attic keep your plywood from failing and help your shingles last as long as possible.

A roof ventilation system works by providing a continual flow of air through the attic space helping remove overheated air and moisture from the attic and roof system and reduce the impact of changing temperatures and moisture conditions both inside and outside the home. It is a vertical pipe attached to a drain line and runs through the roof of your home. Roof ventilation works to keep warm air and moisture out of the attic. Static roof line vents are effective for ventilation but generally aren t recommended due to issues with leaks.

The vent pipes allow the sewer gases to escape to the outside rather than being released inside the house. It channels the exhaust gases to the vent and helps maintain proper atmospheric pressure in the waste system. Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves allow cool air to enter the attic. Soffit vents may leave air trapped at the top of your attic.

The vent pipes also allow oxygen into the waste pipes. The goal is to keep the attic space in your home dry and cool. Most effective ventilation uses a ridge and soffit continuous ventilation system but even these designs can vary from roof to roof. There are two primary methods to create air flow within an attic.

All things being equal wind driven turbine vents also known as a whirlybird roof vent do move more air than flat vents but only when the wind blows. This enables bacteria to break down the sewage aerobically meaning by the use of oxygen. Roof ventilation works by allowing air to flow through the attic which prevents it from becoming overheated and causing moisture. These attic vents let out hot air like other types of vents but when the wind blows it pumps out even more hot air and this happens without using and electricity like a power attic fan.