In our series, we’ve been reviewing the seven parts (or layers) of a well-constructed roofing system, so you can have a clear understanding of exactly what each layer is — and why it’s important.
Thus far, we’ve covered the following:
- Part 1: The Importance of Leak Barriers
- Part 2: Roof Deck Protection
- Part 3: Starter Strip Shingles
- Part 4: Choosing the Right Rooftop Accessories for Improved Performance
Next up in the series is attic ventilation, which is something that doesn’t get talked about as much as shingles or gutters, although it’s just as important.
At Legacy Exteriors, our roofing system brand of choice is GAF, and with good reason, as they are the number one asphalt roofing company in America — with products that are both dependable and beautiful. When you hire a roofing contractor, you’ll want to see if they are a GAF installer — and if they are a GAF Master Elite installer (like Legacy Exteriors), even better. And if they are not GAF installers? Make sure you are getting a product that is of similar quality — for instance, like Owens Corning asphalt roofing — to ensure that your new roof will serve you well for years to come.
In Parts 1 through 4 of the series, we focused on the GAF products that are applied to each layer of a roofing system. We’re changing direction a bit here, placing our attention on some of the important details you’ll want to be aware of regarding roofing and attic ventilation, as opposed to product information. Depending on your roof type, attic ventilation solutions can vary — and since there are over four dozen GAF attic-centric products, we thought it was more important for you to walk away with a solid understanding of what’s best for your roofing type.
OK, let’s get started!
What is Attic Ventilation?
Attic ventilation helps remove moisture and heat from your attic. When balanced, attic ventilation reduces the likelihood of damage due to heat and moisture in the attic — and also helps reduce the risk of ice damming in winter months.
Have you ever been in an attic that felt hot and stuffy? If the answer is yes, there’s a good chance that it was not properly ventilated. In a nutshell, your attic needs to “breathe” so heat and moisture don’t cause degradation of your roofing system.
There are a variety of attic ventilation options, and the best one for your home is contingent on the type of roof you have. At the end of the day, you’ll want to ensure that your attic space has a balanced system for both intake and exhaust.
Effective balanced systems draw in fresh air, and export hot/moist air.
Important Things to Know About Attic Ventilation
(Imagery courtesy of GAF)
This brings us to the end of Part 5 of our series. Next up, we’ll take a look at ridge cap shingles.
Learn More
To learn more about GAF roofing solutions, feel free to check out our Asphalt Roofing page, which details all of GAF’s asphalt roofing shingles and colors.
Contact Us Anytime …
Whether you would like a complimentary inspection of your roof, or are looking to chat about roof repair or roof replacement, you can contact Legacy Exteriors anytime. We’re always happy to help!