Ridge Vents & Roof Ventilation in Newton, Needham, Wellesley

We install soffit, gable & ridge vents for effective attic ventilation

Roof ventilation is a very important part of house roofing. Without proper roofing ventilation, it could lead to the breaking down of ice dams, and vents could malfunction and could result to early damage of roof ventilation. And when roof vents are not in good condition, it would soon lead to deterioration of the house itself and the house structure.

The importance of roof ventilation

When you have adequate roof ventilation, your roof will last longer and could reach its years of warranty or even more. If you have insubstantial ventilation, your roof’s life expectancy will be shorter because the heat in the attic can be the cause of early deterioration.

When the heat escapes from the structure, it will melt the snow even if the temperature outside is freezing. And when it does, it creates ice dams and the snow which was already melted would pass through the roof and would refreeze causing the water at the roof to get obstructed by ice dams. It will then build up and gets to the roofing shingles which causes leaks inside the house.

Types of roof vents

Ridge vents

Installed along the roof peak, ridge vents are probably the most important vents in any “passive” (non-electric) roof ventilation system. Hot air that accumulates inside the attic rises by convection and escapes outside through ridge vents.

As hot air escapes, fresh outside air is drawn into the attic through soffit vents (see below).

On an asphalt shingle roof, ridge vents are usually covered by a layer of shingles. The warmest air in the attic rises naturally to the roof peak and escapes outside through the ridge vents.

Soffit vents

Soffit vents run parallel to the eaves along the soffit. These vents work with ridge and gable vents to promote good roof ventilation.

Installed along the eaves of the roof, these vents are usually in the form of grilles that run the length of each soffit.

By admitting outside air into the attic as warmer air leaves the attic through higher vents, soffit vents play a major role in effective roof ventilation.

Gable-end vents

Installed near the peak of a gable end, this screened vent can allow hot air to leave the attic or fresh air to enter, depending on prevailing breezes and temperature conditions.