RoofViews

Your Home

Why Proper Attic and Roof Ventilation Matter to Your Home

By Karen L Edwards

March 30, 2021

Contractor carrying a box of GAF Cobra Rigid Vent 3

You may not automatically consider attic and roof ventilation when replacing your home's roofing system. However, it's a key part of the process. Here's why roof ventilation matters and the role proper attic ventilation can play in your roofing system.

The Importance of Proper Attic Ventilation

Your home generates moisture every day: cooking, showering, and even normal breathing all create moisture that can find its way up to your attic. Without proper attic ventilation, that moisture has nowhere to go. Once trapped, it can damage your interior spaces and reduce the effectiveness of your attic insulation. It can even contribute to the overall deterioration of your roof system and structural supports over time.

Ventilating your attic space allows that interior moisture, along with hot air, to be exhausted near the top of the roof through ridge vents, roof louvers, powered vents, or other exhaust vents. Fresh air can also enter the attic along the soffits and eaves. This is referred to as intake ventilation. In order for that moisture and heat to escape through the exhaust vents, fresh, cooler air must be allowed to enter the lowest portion of the attic, at or near the soffits or overhangs.

The key to effectively ventilating your attic lies not only in ensuring you have enough attic ventilation for your particular home, but finding the proper balance of intake versus exhaust ventilation. The U.S. Housing Authority recommends a minimum of at least 1 square foot of attic ventilation, evenly split between intake and exhaust, for every 300 square feet of attic floor space. This involves a bit of math, so the experts at GAF have developed a simple-to-use ventilation calculator tool to help you figure out the proper amount of ventilation. Be sure to consult your local building codes for attic ventilation requirements or ask your roofing contractor.

Benefits of Proper Attic Ventilation

Though they may vary depending on your area and the season, there are some significant benefits to having a well-ventilated attic.

  • Helps lower attic temperature. Proper attic ventilation supports a strong roof system. A balanced and effective attic ventilation system helps exhaust superheated air from the attic, which could save your air-conditioning system from having to work as hard in the summer.
  • Reduces the risk of ice dams. In colder climates, proper ventilation can help prevent ice damming. Allowing cold winter air to pass through the attic keeps your roof's temperature cooler, and helps prevent the cycle of snow melting and refreezing that can cause damaging ice dams.
  • Helps protect your roof system. Heat and moisture buildup can add stress to the shingles and other parts of your roof system, potentially causing premature deterioration. A balanced* and effective attic ventilation system allows cooler, fresh air to enter the attic, forcing out superheated air, which helps protect your roofing system.

What to Ask Your Roofing Contractor

Most contractors today are installing some type of attic ventilation, but in some cases, they may not be installing the proper amount for the job or they may only be installing exhaust vents, such as a ridge vent. In other cases, they may simply not be installing enough to meet the necessary balance between the two—intake and exhaust. There isn't one universal solution, as every home is designed and built differently.

Here are some questions to ask your contractor about your roof ventilation.

  1. Based on the size of my attic space, do I currently have enough ventilation?
  2. Do I have both exhaust ventilation at or near the ridge of my roof, and intake ventilation at or near the overhang/soffit area?
  3. Is there enough ridgeline on my roof to install the right amount of exhaust ventilation? If not, what other types of exhaust vents do you recommend (i.e., power vents or roof louvers) to provide the needed amount of exhaust ventilation?
  4. Are my existing overhang/soffit vents clogged by paint or covered with attic insulation?
  5. If I don't have any intake ventilation or enough ventilation at my overhang/soffit area, can it be added?
  6. Would you mind looking at my attic insulation? Is it in good condition, and does it properly cover the entire attic floor?

If you're in need of roof repairs or replacement, reach out to a contractor certified by GAF ** in your area. Be sure to ask about proper ventilation and the options available to ensure that your roofing system will deliver the best performance and protection for your home.


*Always have a balanced attic ventilation system. In no case should the amount of exhaust ventilation at or near the ridge exceed the amount of intake ventilation at or near the soffit. See www.gaf.com/ventcalcalculator for details.

**Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products.

Your Home Residential Roofing Evergreen Education Steep Slope Homeowner Steep Slope Asphalt Roofing Ventilation and Attic Vents How to

About the Author

Karen L. Edwards, GAF Roof Views Blog Contributor
Karen L Edwards
Karen L Edwards

Karen L. Edwards is a freelance writer for the construction industry and has a passion for roofing, having worked in the industry for 20 years.

Related Articles

Aerial view of asphalt shingles for a roofing project
Your Home

5 Types of Roofing Technology That Make Buying a Roof Easier

For years, replacing your roof meant scheduling an in-home visit with a salesperson, looking at shingle colors on sample boards, and then waiting days or weeks to receive a written quote. But recent advancements in roofing technology have simplified the process for both contractors and homeowners. You can now quickly and easily visualize the design, estimate material costs, and establish a project plan before work begins.Whether you're buying a new roof or simply having it repaired, here are five of the latest advancements in roofing technology that could help your planning process.1. Design ProgramsWhen purchasing a new roof, choosing the color can be one of the hardest parts. The shingles you choose will protect your home for years to come, so you want to ensure the color complements your home and neighborhood. But it can be challenging to imagine what the finished roof will look like.Fortunately, technology has simplified this part of the process. Programs such as GAF Virtual Remodeler allow you to upload a photo of your home (or choose a model home) and virtually try on different colors and styles. You can feel confident about your design decisions before you purchase materials.2. Aerial ImageryContractors can use high-resolution aerial imagery to see a bird's-eye view of your home and assess your roof's current condition, depending on how recent the satellite image is. They can evaluate the roof's health, deem whether certain areas of your surrounding property need to be protected, and note any extra safety precautions that might be necessary for the work.The imagery tool helps speed up the overall process. Contractors don't need to come out to your home to understand the complexity of your roof, and you don't need to make time in your schedule for a site visit.3. Aerial Measurements and Estimating SoftwareGoing a step further, technology companies have combined aerial imagery with other software programs to calculate the measurements of a home's roof. These measurements are then input into estimation programs and used to quickly generate a material estimate for your new roof's installation.This means you can receive your project estimate within hours—not days—and you can be confident in the estimate's accuracy. Once you know the total cost of the materials, you can better plan your budget.4. All-in-One Project PlatformsIn an attempt to provide a high level of customer service and satisfaction, many roofing professionals have been tapping technologies provided by the manufacturers themselves. These all-in-one platforms streamline the roofing sales process, allowing contractors to remotely perform a number of tasks and virtually collaborate with homeowners, while ensuring they are using the most accurate and up-to-date information from the manufacturer.Using these kinds of digital tools, roofing professionals can inspect your home to create estimates. They can then meet with you virtually (or schedule an in-person consultation, if you prefer) to review your project and the related options for your home. You can also sign your contract and easily make your payment electronically.5. Online Shopping ToolsEvery day, millions of homeowners shop online for essential items that get delivered to their doors. Since there's nothing more essential to your home than its roof, why not research and buy yours online?That's exactly what GAF Master Elite Contractor Gunner Roofing owners Andrew and Eddie Prchal had in mind when they developed the Gunner Estimator. The brothers designed the program to enable homeowners to shop online for a roof. With a focus on improving the overall customer experience, the Prchals wanted to take the hassle out of purchasing a roof. The result is a roofing technology that provides a seamless process for homeowners.Creating an Intuitive ExperienceAll of these technological advancements help to streamline the process of getting work done on your roof, saving you time and potentially money. Whether you're getting your roof repaired or completely replaced, roofing technology can assist. Ready to get started on your new roof? Look for a certified contractor,* with access to roofing technology programs provided by GAF.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.

By Authors Karen L Edwards

March 18, 2024

A moss-covered roof.
Your Home

Does Moss on a Roof Die in Winter?

As it gets colder, you might wonder: does moss on a roof die in winter like other pesky plants? It's a common myth. However, while you might hope winter weather will eliminate the moss, this isn't the case. Even if the moss looks dried out when temperatures drop, it goes dormant and absorbs water like a sponge. Before long, it will continue growing and become more difficult to get rid of as it spreads across your roof, even after the winter season.Why You Should Remove Moss from Your RoofIf you don't remove moss from your roof, it can wreak havoc on shingles, eating away at their protective coating. Moss roots also grow in between shingles and underneath the structure. This can degrade the shingles and push them apart as temperatures drop, allowing water to penetrate and leak into your home.Moss growth can also prevent proper water drainage and result in bacteria or mold growth, rotten underlayment, and damaged framing. It compromises the roof's ultraviolet protection, too. Left to grow into a thick layer, moss can reduce your roof's lifespan.The Difference between Moss and AlgaeIt's also important to know the difference between moss and algae, and how to prevent or remove both to extend the life of your roof. Moss is a herbaceous plant that absorbs nutrients and water through its leaves, producing spores to reproduce. It spreads across your roof as it grows. Algae are flat, slimy, green aquatic plants that lack leaves, stems, or flowers. They tend to grow on moist areas of your roof, causing dark stains. Algae are usually found in areas where water drips overhead. If you suspect algae on your roof, consider installing algae-resistant shingles.How to Remove Moss from Your RoofSince the answer to 'does moss on a roof die in winter?', is no, now's a good time to hire a professional roofer to get rid of it. Moss is resilient, and you can't simply remove it by hand. They'll remove the moss using a chemical solution, and they can replace any damaged shingles to restore your roof's integrity.It's best to rely on a professional who can eliminate the moss while also inspecting your roof for damage. Don't try to use a pressure washer or any weed killers not designed for moss, as these can stain or damage your roof.How to Prevent Moss GrowthSince moss thrives in damp, shady spots, trimming trees to allow more sunlight onto your roof can help deter its growth. Also, regularly clear away leaves, twigs, and other debris, which helps moss grow, and clean your gutters frequently to prevent water buildup. In addition to these tasks, scheduling regular roof inspections can help you catch any issues early.You can also install a zinc strip, such as GAF Master Flow® Zinc Moss & Mildew Preventer, near the roof ridge to help protect your roof against moss, algae, and mildew growth. The metal strip oxidizes over time, and as water washes over the roof plane, it creates an undesirable environment for moss.By proactively removing moss and preventing its return, you'll protect your biggest investment: your home. Contact a GAF-certified roofing contractor* to ensure it's removed effectively.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.

By Authors Wendy Helfenbaum

March 09, 2024

Aerial view of Timberline asphalt shingles on a new home
Your Home

Does a New Roof Increase Home Value?

There are many factors that can potentially impact a home's value, but if you're looking to build equity in your home for an upcoming move, or sale of the home, you may be wondering: does a new roof increase home value? While the added value of a new roof may not recover the full cost of installing one, it's important to keep in mind that a new roof can help impact the value of a home in more ways than one. Everything from the roofing materials used to your existing roof's condition can affect whether it's worth replacing. Here's how a new roof could impact your home's value.How Can a New Roof Increase Home Value?A new roof is a great way to enhance your home's curb appeal. Since a roof is one of the first features people notice when looking at a home, a visually-appealing one can potentially lead to a higher value. On the other hand, an old roof with damaged shingles can lower a home's value because of its poor appearance.A new roof may also make potential buyers more comfortable spending a little more money on a home since they probably won't have to deal with an expensive roof replacement shortly after the purchase. Many roofs also come with a transferable warranty, which can be a great selling point when you put your home on the market.How Much Can a New Roof Increase Home Value?According to a 2023 Cost vs Value report from Remodeling Magazine, a roof replacement adds an average resale value of $17,807 to the price of a home. Depending on the cost of your roof replacement, this means you may or may not recover the total cost in the sale of your home, but in certain circumstances, getting a new roof is still beneficial, depending on your roof's condition. As the most common type of roof in the United States, asphalt roof shingles, such as GAF Timberline HDZ® Shingles can be a great choice for a new roof to help increase the value of your home.Should You Replace Your Roof before You Sell?Whether you should replace your roof before selling depends on several factors, and the question "does a new roof increase home value?" is just one of them. If, for instance, your roof is visibly older, it can lower curb appeal, impacting your home's value. Old roofs may also be damaged or have problems like broken or buckled shingles, sagging, water leaks, or granule loss, which can contribute to a lower selling price.Additionally, most home inspectors survey the roof and reveal any issues to the buyers before closing. Issues can make it more challenging to sell your home, as most people don't want to deal with costly roof repairs right after buying a house.On the other hand, if your roof is relatively new or in good condition, it may not need to be replaced. If you're not sure, it doesn't hurt to have a roofing professional inspect it before you decide to replace it.If you want to install a new roof, find a reliable roofer in your area. A GAF-certified roofing contractor* can install a high-quality roof that will help you sell your home.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.

By Authors Mark Soto

March 06, 2024

Don't miss another GAF RoofViews post!

Subscribe now