Ridge Vents & Roof Ventilation in Northern Virginia & Maryland
We install soffit, gable & ridge vents for effective attic ventilation
It’s understandable that roof ventilation is often overlooked, as most people are simply worried about their roof keeping their home dry. However, a well-ventilated roof can make life easier and better for those living beneath it. Proper roof and attic ventilation can lower heating and cooling costs, improve interior comfort, and grant longer life to roof shingles.
In the summertime, a properly ventilated roof allows hot air in the attic to escape, reducing the demand on your air conditioning system. In the winter, ventilation combines with good attic insulation to keep the roof surface cold, so that snow won’t melt on the roof surface and then freeze to form ice dams along the eaves.
CCI installs and repairs ridge vents and other types of roof vents to ensure proper air flow to prevent mold and mildew under your roof. We are Northern Virginia’s expert roofing contractors for roofing solutions that include roof repair, roof replacement and more. Contact us for a free inspection for ridge vent roof installation throughout Northern Virginia & Maryland.
Types of roof vents
There are different types of roof vents, and different strategies for achieving effective roof ventilation. Here’s a brief overview:
Types of Roof Vents
Not always easy to see, the openings for a ridge vent are the continuous space on either side of the ridge cap
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 proper ventilation.
Soffit vents may run continuously under eaves. Rectangular or circular vents may be installed in soffits where a continuous strip-type vent was omitted.
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.
If attic airflow is insufficient, your roofer may recommend a gable end vent such as the one shown.
Add roof vents to ensure a long-lasting roof over your head
If your roof is not well-ventilated, ask a roofing contractor about improving roof ventilation with ridge, soffit or gable-end vents. All of these roof vents can be installed in an existing roof, or when your roofing is being replaced.
The specialists at CCI can help you choose the right type of roof vents for your home. We can repair or install roof vents and improve your attic ventilation.
Our professional roofing services, including roof repair, are available throughout Northern Virginia, including Haymarket, Chantilly, and Manassas as well as in Maryland around Gaithersburg, Silver Spring and Upper Marlboro. Call us at 703-754-9551 to get a free inspection on any of your roofing needs.
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