Many people who live in houses don't know all that much about their own roofs. If you asked them, they might say all is well if it doesn't leak. One important part of advance planning to keep problems from developing is using a roof closure vent. This system is designed to keep moisture problems from destroying your roofing from underneath.
For those who are clueless about the make-up of their roofs, there are some basic facts that are easily understood. A roof is subject to many stresses. One is extremes of temperature. Actually, painting a metal roof a light color in hot climes and a dark one in cold is the best solution to temperature. Venting has more to do with moisture.
As air from inside the house rises, it carries moisture with it. The warmer the air, the more moisture it can hold. The air gets trapped beneath the cool roofing where the moisture can condense, causing rot, mold, and corrosion. By venting the space underneath the roof, this moist air can be drawn out and replaced by fresh, drier air from outside.
A vent is a device to let air in or out. Air can move into vents lower on the roof - like 'soffit' vents under the eaves - and out higher vents along the ridge. This air exchange is activated by wind flowing over the structure, which pulls the air out along with heat and moisture. Venting is a simple process in a ranch-type house but gets more complicated in homes with many gables and additions.
Of course, a simple opening down low and another higher up would work. However, you don't want a hole in your roof. Rain and snow are one problem. Others include insects (like a homeless swarm of bees), small mammals like squirrels or bats, or birds who the protected space just right for raising a family. Vents should have baffles or screens to keep everything out but air.
Check out the easy-to-install one piece units online if you need to vent an existing structure. They are simply stuck into place using their own adhesive strips. It's easiest to do this kind of installation at construction, when vents can be installed along the ridge of the house. Vents should be made of durable materials and can be guaranteed to last as long as the roofing itself.
Online you will find a lot of information about the value of well-designed vents and the different kinds on the market. You also may see some debate about whether or not you should include vents in your home at all. Many roofs carry a 30-year warranty; check if this guarantee will be voided if you do not vent. It's important to make sure that outside air comes in at the same rate that trapped air is drawn out. Otherwise, air may be pulled from the home's interior, which will raise your energy costs.
So the main idea is simple. Get hot, wet air out and let cooler, dryer air in on a continuous basis. At the same time, keep creepy crawlies, flying things, and rain or snow out without interfering with the desired air flow. Fortunately for homeowners, there are products on the market designed to do both with maximum efficiency.
For those who are clueless about the make-up of their roofs, there are some basic facts that are easily understood. A roof is subject to many stresses. One is extremes of temperature. Actually, painting a metal roof a light color in hot climes and a dark one in cold is the best solution to temperature. Venting has more to do with moisture.
As air from inside the house rises, it carries moisture with it. The warmer the air, the more moisture it can hold. The air gets trapped beneath the cool roofing where the moisture can condense, causing rot, mold, and corrosion. By venting the space underneath the roof, this moist air can be drawn out and replaced by fresh, drier air from outside.
A vent is a device to let air in or out. Air can move into vents lower on the roof - like 'soffit' vents under the eaves - and out higher vents along the ridge. This air exchange is activated by wind flowing over the structure, which pulls the air out along with heat and moisture. Venting is a simple process in a ranch-type house but gets more complicated in homes with many gables and additions.
Of course, a simple opening down low and another higher up would work. However, you don't want a hole in your roof. Rain and snow are one problem. Others include insects (like a homeless swarm of bees), small mammals like squirrels or bats, or birds who the protected space just right for raising a family. Vents should have baffles or screens to keep everything out but air.
Check out the easy-to-install one piece units online if you need to vent an existing structure. They are simply stuck into place using their own adhesive strips. It's easiest to do this kind of installation at construction, when vents can be installed along the ridge of the house. Vents should be made of durable materials and can be guaranteed to last as long as the roofing itself.
Online you will find a lot of information about the value of well-designed vents and the different kinds on the market. You also may see some debate about whether or not you should include vents in your home at all. Many roofs carry a 30-year warranty; check if this guarantee will be voided if you do not vent. It's important to make sure that outside air comes in at the same rate that trapped air is drawn out. Otherwise, air may be pulled from the home's interior, which will raise your energy costs.
So the main idea is simple. Get hot, wet air out and let cooler, dryer air in on a continuous basis. At the same time, keep creepy crawlies, flying things, and rain or snow out without interfering with the desired air flow. Fortunately for homeowners, there are products on the market designed to do both with maximum efficiency.
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