Attic & Roof Ventilation in Portland
When it comes to roof ventilation in Portland, the best way to prevent an expensive and unexpected roof repair is to regularly maintain your roof. A proper ventilation system can be your greatest asset in cutting energy costs and improving the durability of your roof.
Proper roof ventilation is one of the best ways to ensure your roof lasts as long as possible. Proper ventilation helps:
- Prevent mold, rot, and ice buildup: Roofs that are properly vented have a constant stream of airflow, which allows moisture to escape the roof. This helps prevent mold and mildew from growing, the roof structure from rotting, and ice from building up on eaves in winter.
- Reduce inconsistent temperatures: Proper roof ventilation helps ensure temperatures in your home are more consistent. Expelling the hot air from your roof prevents it from sitting in the attic, which can significantly increase the temperature of your home’s upper levels.
- Improve energy efficiency: By ensuring temperatures in your home stay consistent, your HVAC system won’t work overtime. This helps keep your electricity bills down and allows your HVAC system to run as efficiently as possible.
- Increase roof longevity: Heat and moisture can quickly be the downfall of any roof. Moisture buildup can deteriorate the roof structure and insulation, requiring a new roof sooner than you’ll need it. Proper ventilation ensures your roof stays as dry as possible, helping it last that much longer.
To learn more about our attic and roof ventilation services in Portland, contact Roof Life of Oregon for a free estimate.
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How Roof Vents Work
A roof ventilation system has two vents that work to constantly keep air flowing through the roof:
- Intake vent: Usually located near the bottom of the roof in the eaves, the intake vent pulls fresh air from outside into the roof.
- Exhaust vent: Usually located near the roof peak, the exhaust vent expels the warm, humid air outside of the roof.
You can choose to install two types of roof vents:
- Natural vent: Uses natural, passive airflow to remove hot air that rises to the top of the roof.
- Mechanical vent: Uses a motor to expel hot air from the roof. Mechanical vents are usually required if the roof design doesn’t allow for much natural airflow.
See our blog “Roof Ventilation: The Good, Bad and Ugly” for more information on roof vent options.
Signs Your Roof Is Improperly Vented
You likely have improper roof ventilation if you notice:
- Ice buildup in winter: Icicles and ice dams happen when the heat inside your roof melts the snow and ice on your roof. This causes ice and water to build up and refreeze at the edge of your roof, creating icicles and ice dams. Proper ventilation helps the warm air escape your roof before it can melt the snow.
- Temperature differences: If the temperature of your second story is noticeably hotter (especially in the summer) than the first story, that’s usually a sign that the roof isn’t venting. The hot air sitting in the attic filters into the second story, making the temperature much warmer than what it should be.
- Increased electric bills: Improper ventilation causes your HVAC system to work harder than it normally would trying to even out the temperature differences, resulting in increased heating and cooling bills. This added usage also causes your HVAC system to need more frequent repairs and even die prematurely.
- Signs of moisture buildup: This can include mold or mildew in your attic, rust on metal components in your attic (HVAC systems, electrical boxes, attic fasteners, etc.) and sagging or rotting on the roof structure. Moisture buildup means the humid air isn’t being properly expelled from your roof.
If you’re looking for a team that is as knowledgeable as they are kind and proactive, Roof Life of Oregon is the choice for you. Contact us today to experience the difference for yourself.
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How Do You Choose the Right Ventilation Option?
There are two main types of attic ventilation systems: active and passive. Active ventilation does the work of pulling fresh air in from the outside and pushing it back out, circulating the air. Turbine vents, which uses the natural rise of heat in your attic; power vents, which use electricity; ridge vents, which blend seamlessly with your roof and provides a channel for air flow; and solar vents, which harness power rom the sun, are all examples of active vents.
Passive attic ventilation systems, on the other hand, facilitate the natural movement of air throughout your attic. Static, non-baffled ridge, and gable end vents are all examples of passive systems. These vents use the natural rise and fall of warm and cool air to circulate air throughout your attic. They do not create any noise, have no mechanical or moving parts, and require very little maintenance.
Neither system is better than the other, and choosing the right vents for your property depends on a number of conditions. For example, if you struggle with humidity, power vents may not be right, unless you have a whole-home or attic dehumidifier installed. Solar-powered vents are no appropriate for shaded properties, and some static vents may not be appropriate for properties that require more attic ventilation. After our thorough roof inspection, our team will make a recommendation based on the unique characteristics of your property.
Roofing Ventilation Installation in Portland, OR
Call us at (503) 461-2665 or fill out our online contact form to get a quote for your roof ventilation installation. Roof Life of Oregon's professionals will take a look at your existing roof vents, go over the roof ventilation systems we install, and recommend the best one for your home.
When it comes to roof ventilation and roof maintenance, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Contact us today to get your roof ventilation project on the books!
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1. Family Owned & Operated Since 1983Roof Life of Oregon is a 39-year-old, family-owned and operated, full-service residential roofing business.
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2. Licensed & Insured TechniciansRoof Life is officially licensed and fully insured for your protection. We are certified installers for all types of roofing products.
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3. Dependable, Experienced & Caring TeamWe will treat your home with respect and the personal attention it deserves. Our technicians work quickly and efficiently, including daily cleanup, for the duration of your project.
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4. Service After the Sale Guarantee
Excluding acts of God, your roof will not falter from normal, everyday exposure. In the unlikely event that your roof encounters any workmanship challenges, we will make any necessary repairs absolutely free within 24 hours of being alerted of the issue.
