Vented Or Non Vented Roof

Preventing moisture is essential for having a properly functioning un vented roof.

Vented or non vented roof. Unvented attic roof designs have the advantage of providing conditioned spaces for ductwork and air handlers. The use of vented soffits along with non vented soffits helps prevent ice dams from forming along your roofline. In a vented roof foam can seal the openings and serve as an air barrier and a vapor retarder in addition to its insulating function. In an un vented roof foam can serve as the air barrier and vapor retarder and prevent moisture from getting in to the roof cavities.

The air enters the space and with the aid of attic baffles a tubular object attached directly to the underside of the roof decking but above the insulation air is free to enter and flow upwards. Should you vent a metal roof. Non vented won t pull in burning embers like a vented roof will. Ventilated roofs remove moisture from roof cavities structural members sheathing and insulation.

Non vented soffits are the same panels but they are missing the holes or screens that are found often in plywood soffit that allow air into the roof. Vented attic roof designs have the advantage of a long proven historical track record. Keep in mind the ratio of vented to non vented panels will differ depending on your home and your installer s techniques. Metal roofing works well with this because the metal is unaffected by heat not being able to pass through it and enter the attic.

So convection currents need to be carefully designed. The increase in the use of complex roof shapes and cathedral ceilings has resulted in problems with vented roofs. They can help you determine the needs of your roof and environment and make a recommendation. If you re unsure about whether or not to vent your metal roof talk to a product specialist.

A properly insulated ventilated roof can help to control or prevent the formation of ice dams. These roofs keep your home cooler during the hot summer months. However they work best with airtight ceiling attic interfaces and where ductwork and air handlers are not located within attic spaces. If you live in an area prone to wildfire exposure you may want to consider a non vented roof.

The other option of course is a vented attic which requires an equal balance of intake and exhaust vents. Because the sheathing is kept cooler roofing materials tend to have a longer life span. Vented roofs provide the capacity for moisture to be removed from the underside of roof sheathing via convection currents in the vent cavity. It also helps prevents mildew mold and fungus from infiltrating the home due to excessive moisture build up.