Does roof ventilation work? Here are 3 common myths to set you on the right path

One of the most widespread misunderstandings regarding roof ventilation is the idea that it is essential only in extremely hot areas. But good roof ventilation is important no matter where you live, whether it’s a hot and humid place or a cold and icy one.

Proper roof ventilation in warmer regions helps to evacuate hot air from your ceiling, preventing it from becoming superheated and making your air conditioner work harder. This is especially helpful in areas that have longer periods of warmer weather. Roof ventilation is also especially important in cooler areas because it helps to avoid the development of moisture in your roof too, which can ultimately lead to decay and mould.

One more mistaken belief about roof ventilation is that more is always better. Although it is true that enough ventilation is essential, it is also true that having too much of it can potentially be hazardous.

Excessive ventilation can result in a phenomenon known as “windwashing,” which takes place when high winds blow through your ceiling cavity and push the warm air out while leaving the cold air behind. Excessive ventilation might be the cause of this. This can make your heating bills go up in the winter and wipe out any energy savings you might have been able to make if your roof had just enough ventilation.

There is a school of thought that holds that having ventilation in your roof leads to heat loss during the winter, which results in your home being colder and driving up your heating expenditures. This is not necessarily the situation.

A well-ventilated roof can actually assist in maintaining a more comfortable temperature in your home by preventing extremes of both heat and cold from developing there. This can assist in alleviating some of the strain that is placed on your HVAC system, which in turn can result in cheaper energy bills.