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Home ventilation is essential because it expels heat trapped in the attic and minimizes air conditioning costs, helps control condensation, and prevents ice dam formation during winter. However, proper venting comes differently depending on your roof material, particularly with metal roofing. The information below will help you ensure your ventilation system works well, whatever your roof material.

What Constitutes Proper Ventilation?

Metal roofingTo achieve adequate airflow through the home, you need both intake and exhaust vents. The intake vents should be located beneath the roof on the overhangs. The exhaust vents should be as high as possible — near the roof peak — because heat rises. This enables hot air to escape out the top and draw cooler air in through the bottom. For maximum airflow, you want the same amount of exhaust and intake ventilation. Moreover, it's crucial you make sure the intake vents are not blocked by insulation — a common problem.

Problems With Inadequate Venting

In addition to higher summer electric bills, poor roof ventilation can result in roof damage. Humidity and heat contained in an attic can result in warped rafters and roof sheathing. Then, when night falls and outdoor temperatures cool the roof, warm, moist air may condense on the metal roof and drip moisture into the attic. This can seep into the living quarters and lead to mold growth and water damage to walls, ceilings, and furniture.

Ensuring Adequate Venting

As long as you have ridge vents to enable air to escape, an equal number of intake vents, and vents for each gable in the attic, you should be fine. If you need additional ventilation, a turbine vent with a whirligig fan helps force hot air out while drawing fresh air into the home. The International Residential Code recommends you have one square foot of ventilation — both intake and exhaust — for every 150 square feet of attic floor space. However, if you have a very steep roof — and thus more attic space — or you live in Florida, Texas, along the Gulf of Mexico, or in the U.S. Southwest, consider upping that amount by about 20%.


For metal roofing installation and repairs, contact Custom Roofing & Construction, the premier metal roofing contractor in Dothan, AL. They have been serving clients in and around Houston county for over 20 years. They also specialize in residential construction and emergency roof repair and offer a 10-year warranty on all installations. Call (334) 790-4418 to schedule a free consultation.

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