It’s been really hot lately…contrary to conventional wisdom it seems venting your roof won’t help according to this “ask the experts” article in Fine Homebuilding.
For decades, codes and well-intentioned builders put a lot of effort and thought into making sure there is good venting for our roofs/attics.
A few years ago, the code changed from a concept of equal intake (at the soffit area near your gutters) and exhaust (at the roof peak). Nowadays we have more soffit venting than ridge venting and this works better.
However, recent research is showing that venting does not do much to keep you cooler. Roof color and material have more impact than ventilation.
In our experience some roofs, cape cods with living space especially, can benefit from added mechanical ventilation which makes sense because a motorized fan moves a lot more air than other methods.
We also have clients that have had re-roofing done with metal that is vented report lower temperatures and this is most likely because the new surface redirects the heat before it can move through the roof into the attic.
At Cayuga Country Homes, we believe in learning all we can about building science to build the best homes we can for our clients, rather than sticking with outdated ideas.
You can read the original article ask the experts
