Ventilation is a crucial factor in the life of a roofing shingle. Heat built-up in the hot summer months, as well as the cold weather of winter will accelerate the aging process of your asphalt roofing shingles. Proper air circulation, regardless of the weather outside, will greatly reduce the chances of leaking, blistering, curling, and many other potential problems.
A properly ventilated attic will keep the deck and insulation dry, dissipate heat build-up in the attic space and extend the life of your shingles. Proper levels of ventilation will assist with your heating and cooling bills during the winter and summer seasons.
Ventilation should be split into two types, intake vents through the perforated soffits and exhaust vents, preferably near the top ridge of your roof. Unheated porches or carports do not require ventilation.
A turbine vent can do the job of three regular vents. They are recommended for limited ridge space, and low slope roofs that would otherwise require multiple roof vents. The general rule of thumb for the minimum ventilation required is one square foot for every 300 square feet of insulated attic space.
Roof vents should be visually unobtrusive and strategically placed for both function and appearance. Vents should be spaced evenly apart as close to the ridge as possible, and placed on the backside of the house.
