The Need For A Roof Closure Vent

By Brenda Warner


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.

Moisture is another problem that comes from changes in temperature. Air collects under the roofing from the interior of the house, as warm air from inside rises. This air carries moisture with it, which condenses when it reaches cooler exterior surfaces. Venting is the answer here; drier outside air is pulled in through intake vents and flows out through exhaust vents along the ridge of the roof.

'Soffit' vents under the eaves of the house let air in. The closure vents higher up let air out. Wind moving across the top of the building is the activator of this exchange. As air flows out, moisture is taken out as well, before it can condense and cause problems of mold, rot, or corrosion. The process of venting a ranch-style home is fairly easy. Modern, many-gabled roofs make the process a lot more complicated.

A well-designed venting system also keeps out things like bugs, birds, and animals. Bees, sparrows, squirrels, and bats can be a real nuisance is allowed to get into attic spaces. Screens or baffles keep them out, as well as damaging rain and snow.

There are many vents on the market. Some are advertised as very easy to install, coming in one piece with adhesive patches that will fix the unit in place. Look for guarantees, too. The vents may be guaranteed to last as long as the roof they are installed in. There are two-piece units as well, and some venting goes all along the ridge of the house.

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.

It's a simple enough idea: Draw wet, warm air out, pull fresh, drier air in. At the same time, keep crawling or flying things out, as well as rain and snow.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment