Tag Archive for: Roof Replacement

The Most Waterproof and Snow Proof Ridge Vent

This video demonstrates how the external baffle of Shingle-Vent II makes it a better protectant against water infiltration in comparison with several different styles of ridge vents. Architectural Testing Labs tested the consistent reliability of Shingle Vent II by installing each ridge vent according to manufacturers’ instructions on a 4-12 roof. They then monitored the roofs to see how much water leaked through each vent. The video footage reveals how the external baffle of Shingle-Vent II protects the attic from rain infiltration even under drastic wind conditions of 110 mile wind speeds. The external baffle deflects wind over the vent preventing rain infiltration into the attic, while other ridge vents allowed in 2-4 gallons of water. For example, the VentSure ridge vent leaked more than 2 gallons of water, the Roll Vent ridge vent leaked more than 3 1/3, and the RidgeMaster ridge vent leaked more than 3 1/2 gallons. The Shingle-Vent II, on the other hand, with its external baffle did not permit any water to leak into the attic.

In comparison with several different ventilations systems, the Shingle-Vent II ridge vent lets in less water and snow. In considering ridge vents, you may be wondering why having a ridge vent that is weather resistant is so important. If you install a ridge vent that is not weather resistant, water and snow that infiltrates your attic can cause damage there or elsewhere in your house, and you may not even know it is leaking until it’s too late. Be sure to thoroughly investigate your ridge vent options to confirm that you are making a worthwhile investment into improving your home.

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Importance of Roof Ventilation

Now that the importance of ventilation has been established this article will talk about the common types of attic ventilation.

Gable Vents–

These are openings in the gable (peaks at the ends of the house) which are usually rectangular in shape but can also be triangle, oval or other such shape.  This method provides for cross ventilation but only moves air in the upper portion of the attic.  This is how many homes were built prior to the use of ridge vents.  What many customers and contractor aren’t aware of is if a house has properly installed lower ventilation and upper ventilation then gable vents are actually counter- productive as they interfere with the convection action.

Roof-Ridge-Vents

Ridge vents-

A ridge vent is a cut down the center of the roof at the peak, which exposes the rafters of the roof and allows for the escape of air.  The opening is then sheltered with a baffeled cover which prevents water and critters from getting in.  Finally it is capped with roofing shingles to blend in with the rest of the roof.

Soffit Vents-Roof-Soffit-Vents

These are openings which are cut into the soffit (overhang) allowing for the intake of exterior air up into the attic space.  It is very important to make sure that attic insulation is not blocking the outer wall and stuffed all the way down into the rafters, as the opening will be blocked and airflow will not be achieved.  If the air space is blocked this can be remedied by installing what are called “baffles”.  Baffles are simply Styrofoam pieces that are stuffed down in the rafters on the outer wall of the attic keeping the insulation pulled back allowing a channel for the airflow.

Roof-ConvectionConvection-

The best designed ventilation systems have what is called “convection” with lower intake of air and upper outflow of air.  Cooler, dryer outside air will enter the soffit vent near the attic floor which in turn forces the existing heat and moisture filled air out through the ridge vent placed high on the roof peak.

Unique Challenges-

Some houses are constructed in such ways that different types of ventilation, such as power venting and static vents, are required.  United Home Experts is skilled in handling these unique challenges.  Contact us today for a free no obligation roofing estimate.

For information about how much roofing costs read this article: “How Much Does A New Roof Cost?“

Or to learn more about proper roofing installation, download our free guide:

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The Best Venting Ridge Vent

This video demonstrates how Shingle-Vent II is the better ventilating system in comparison with several different styles of ridge vents. The University of Florida tested the consistent reliability of Shingle Vent II by building a special test house with two separate attic chambers built exactly alike. One attic chamber has the Shingle Vent II installed, while the other attic chamber has an unbaffled vent. Inside the attic chamber with Shingle-Vent II, they placed an orange smoke stick. In an identical position in the other attic chamber, they placed a yellow smoke stick of identical length and smoke volume. The orange and yellow colored smoke allows you to see how each vent operates. The external baffle permits smoke to come out of both sides of the ridge vent, while the unbaffled vent does not. As a result, the external baffle vent of the Shingle-Vent II evacuates more smoke than the unbaffled vent.

Camera’s inside the attic spaces also show how the Shingle-Vent II helps to evacuate the air. The Shingle-Vent II harnesses the wind to ventilate the attic, pumping the air out, and clearing out the spoke quicker. As the video demonstrates, several different unbaffled vents were tested alongside the Shingle-Vent II, and each test demonstrates how much more effectively the Shingle-Vent II ventilates the attic. From the vent with the external baffles, the Shingle-Vent II, smoke came out equally from both sides of the ridge vent and attic spaces cleared quicker, even under different wind conditions.

In considering ridge vents, you may be wondering why a better ventilating ridge vent is important. Better ventilating ridge vents release moisture and therefore decrease mold problems. Lower heat in your attic as a result of a better ventilating ridge vent means ice won’t freeze, then thaw and build up ice dams. Thus a better ventilating ridge vent will reduce ice dams overall. Lower heat in your attic during the summer makes your house easier to cool and can therefore lower energy bills. These are just a few factors that are important to consider when choosing a ridge vent that will improve the quality of your home.

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Signs A Roof is Bad

Replacing your roof is not a flashy home improvement project so most people delay it too long. Sometimes that means they’ll sustain serious damage to the interior of their home.  Expensive roof repairs might include:

  • wood rot replacement,
  • plaster and drywall repair
  • painting
  • mold removal
  • insulation replacement
  • and electric damage repair

Here’s a list of signs to look for when determining if your roof is bad and needs repair/replacement.

  • Stains on Interior Ceilings & Walls

Possible Cause: Inadequate or faulty shingle underlayment allowing leakage, or inadequate ventilation.

ceiling stains

  • Missing, Cracked or Curling Shingles

Possible Cause: Low grade shingles or shingles that have exceeded their expected life.

 roof shingle replacement

  •  Roof Shingle Deterioration, Cracking, and Cupping

Possible Cause: Built up heat due to poor attic ventilation.

 roof leak

  • Peeling, Bubbling, or Blistering Exterior Paint

Possible Causes:  Poor attic ventilation trapping moisture in the house.

 peeling paint

  •  Dark, “Dirty-Looking” Areas on Your Roof

Possible causes: Environmental pollutants; lichen, algae, fungus or other environmental growth; loss of granules because of low quality shingles or shingles that have exceeded their expected life.

 algae on roof

We have homeowners contact us on a regular basis with emergency roof problems that could have been avoided if they just paid attention to the signs. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you think your roof may need to be replaced. Contact Us For a Free Estimate by calling 1-888-724-6865 or filling out the form below.

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