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WINTER HOME VENTILATION
With the cold temperatures of winter descending, there is a desire to keep as much heat as possible in the home. Ventilation systems can sometimes make it difficult to retain the heat in the home, as the warmed air is cycled out and the cold air is cycled in. This can spike electric and gas bills and affect the comfort level of the home. Humidity levels may also be difficult to control, resulting in dry skin and breathing discomfort.
Roof Ventilation Concerns
Roof ventilation is often considered ideal for keeping the home cool during hot summer months, as the hot air rises and is exhausted from the roof. However, this same setup can leave the home cold in the winter, exhausting the heat supplied by the heating system through the same avenues as the undesirable summertime heat. While roof ventilators can be shut down through the winter months, this can affect the indoor air quality, allowing VOCs to build up in the home.
Roof ventilators without energy recovery options may not be ideal for cooler climates. If planning for ventilation installation in a new or renovated home, it is important to speak to professionals in the local area to identify the most effective ventilation system. Professionals may be able to introduce options that will save costs and increase comfort year-round.
Reducing Natural Ventilation
While natural, or passive, ventilation may sometimes be helpful during warmer months, it can add to energy loss during cooler months. It is important to seal any holes or cracks in the building seal so that cold air cannot enter and warm air cannot escape. Using weather stripping and plastic to seal cracks around windows and doors can reduce the natural ventilation and tighten the building envelope so that only mechanical ventilation is used during the winter months. This can help to save money and energy.
Increased Winter Need for Ventilation
For those with inefficient ventilation systems that cause air to be lost, it may seem that the best way to conserve energy is to shut the ventilation system down in the winter. Poor winter ventilation can be problematic, however. People typically spend more time indoors during the winter in cold climates, which can actually increase the need for adequate ventilation to keep germs from spreading as readily.
Controlling moisture is also important, as moisture levels can affect both occupant health and home structures. Air that is either too dry or too moist can cause breathing problems. Failure to control condensation can also cause damage to the home and appliances. A dehumidifier or humidifier, coupled with an ERV or HRV can help to achieve optimal comfort levels while conserving energy through the winter.
Roof ventilation may be part of your roof, but it also plays a significant role in your home’s roofing system. A good ventilation system will move air, pushing out and drawing in hot and cold air, through the attic. This helps remove moisture from the attic while it can lead to a score of moisture and water damage issues. Proper roof ventilation is a complex system that requires the right space, design, and layout. Even if you have ventilation, if it isn’t functional, your home will still suffer from the same problems as having no system in place. When it comes to proper roof ventilation, it’s important to understand its necessity and how it all works.
How does roof ventilation work?
While parts of your ventilation may be visible from the roof, the vents themselves are installed on both the upper and lower parts of the roof beneath the eaves along your soffit. As hot air rises, it becomes trapped in the attic. As that warm air mixes with cold attic air, the air condenses and creates a moist environment. Unless dried, this invites mold growth, which can damage the roof structure or lead to serious health problems. In colder climates, that moisture can freeze and frost in the attic. With the constant freezing and thawing, that will cause something known as attic rain. This just adds to potential mold and mildew risk, along with other water damage problems. Another risk is that the trapped heat in the attic will act as a furnace against the roof, essentially baking the shingles. That causes them to age much faster, drastically shortening their lifespan.
Install proper attic ventilation to provide a means for any hot air to escape and for fresh, cold air to move in. This exchange and movement of air help keep the attic cool and dry throughout the year and your home safe. Winter is especially important for proper ventilation, as it helps prevent ice dam, which can further compromise the safety of your roof and home. Both intake and exhaust vents are necessary for the exchange and flow of air and together provide the perfect balance.
Intake vents and exhaust vents
The intake vents are located lower on the roof, typically underneath the eaves built into the soffit. This is where they can effectively draw in the cold air. Exhaust vents, though, are located higher up on the roof to help release trapped heat or moisture from the attic. These look like little towers raised above your roof. A common type of exhaust vent has a whirly-type cylinder that spins as air moves through it. Together, these vents are what allow the necessary flow of air through your roof.
There are various options for each type of vent, but the right combination and balance of vents are key. Soffit vents and ridge vents, for example, are typically paired together for very efficient ventilation. Soffit vents are a type of intake vent installed in the soffit, allowing them to draw in cold air without risking moisture buildup during the winter. Ridge vents are installed on the ridge of your roof and act as exhaust vents. These vents pair best with soffit vents as both provide low visibility, but very high efficiency. Ridge vents also release the air evenly, which helps prevent the development of cold spots in your home.
Choosing the right intake and exhaust vents
The right vent for your home will vary depending on the climate and the style of your roof and attic. Ridge vents are nearly invisible once installed, while other exhaust vents are visible on the roof’s exterior. Intake vents are often much harder to see, as they sit beneath the eaves, either in the soffit or fascia. A variety of different vent styles are available such as decorative cupola, power vents, or wind turbines. Beyond just choosing a style, another crucial part of proper attic ventilation means having an optimized design for air transfer.
An insulation contractor is typically the one who can suggest and install vents on your roof. They will do this as part of your attic insulation upgrade. They can make a recommendation for ventilation that will work best for your climate and house.