Roof Vents

What Are Roof Vents And What Do They Do?

A roof vent is a part of the roof that allows air to pass through. These could either be a few slits in place of a roof tile, or they could be a much larger vent for better airflow. The primary use for a roof vent is to make sure that the effects of the weather do not damage the house — neither inside nor out.

However, if the property is old, it may lack this feature because ventilation was not a thing a few decades ago. But, if it was built recently, it may come with a built-in ventilation system in place. 

Benefits Of Having Roof Vents

Adding roof vents to a house is a one-time investment that will silently protect it from severe damage over time.

Here are some of the more essential benefits of it:

Reduced Energy Costs 

With a properly ventilated roof, air will rarely linger around too long. However, in the hot summer months, warm air will gather in the attic, and if it is not correctly ventilated, it will make the lower portion uncomfortable to live in. This will increase the use of air conditioning, driving up electricity bills. 

Helps Keep The Home 'Fresh'

As a result of certain variables, if a roof is not adequately ventilated, it could become a breeding ground for several other problems.

These include:

• Dampness: Activities such as showering or cooking can cause warm air to rise indoors. This air will mix with colder air and condensate, leaving moisture where it shouldn't. If this prolongs, it will result in mould and fungus growth
• Odours: Warm air rises and touches different surfaces in the house. Once attached, the moisture from the warm air will remain stagnant and react with debris that settles on it. The resulting odour could spread around the house and make everyone uncomfortable

Different Types Of Vents

Among the many different types of roof accessories to get, a roof vent must be on top of the list. 

Additionally, picking the right one can contribute to indoor ventilation and the property's overall aesthetic appeal. Therefore, the different types of vents include:

Roof Ventilation Tiles

This is the universal type of vent. As the name suggests, it can be installed simply by replacing a roof tile with one of these. They are easy to install and do the job just right.

Slate Tile

These behave just like roof tiles, but instead, they are a replacement for slate tiles. They come in a range of shapes and styles.

Lap

A lap vent is best suited for surfaces made of a material such as bitumen felt. They are an ideal option for older properties or places with already poor ventilation.

Soffit

These vents are a more modern solution that can be found in many newer homes. In addition, they come in both a circular as well as a square type.

Fascia

A fascia vent will let the air in the roof pass through a fascia board and the felt on the top. While these may be a good option, installing them can often be a challenge. 

Dry Ridge

These roof vents use a more innovative form of installation that doesn't involve mortar or sand. Close to zero maintenance is required, which makes they are easy to install. 

Turbine Roof Ventilators

Vent turbines use a turbine to push out the air inside while only using the wind to power it. This can help homeowners save a decent amount when it comes to maintaining the vent systems. 

Care And Maintenance 

A ventilation system needs to be maintained routinely so that it functions well. If neglected, it will start to become hazardous to live under. 

How To Take Care Of It?

• Make sure air filters are cleaned every few weeks, so they don't get caked with dirt
• If any vents run through the property, get them cleaned professionally every few months for improved air quality 
• Make sure all joints and seals are intact — ensuring zero leakages
• If there are any controls for the ventilation system, they should be checked regularly so that nothing is malfunctioning
• After some time, the filters in the vents might also need to be replaced

Remember, maintaining them requires regular roof access, so proper arrangements should be made. Also, make sure to keep any roof ornaments or roof fixings away from vents because the warm air coming out might damage them. 

Chimneys and cowls are now becoming a thing of the past, with very few modern homes having them. Instead, almost all modern homes only have ventilation systems on the roof.

If you need assistance to find the right roof vents for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.