Offering customers complete roof ventilation solutions is a smart business decision that can potentially provide long-term payback.
First, selling a variety of venting options increases your ability to upsell your customers. Second, providing a complete ventilation system consisting of both intake and exhaust can help improve the performance of the entire roof system, reducing warranty claims and improving customer satisfaction. It's a win-win all around.
However, before you begin selling a full line of roof ventilation options, it's crucial to understand how to size the system and what solutions are available. Here are the most important details to know.
How to Size an Attic Ventilation System
Balancing attic ventilation in a home is the key to preventing seasonal roof system problems, like ice dams. The roof/attic must provide air intake equivalent to the amount of air exhaust in order to prevent snow from thawing and then refreezing. If the system is imbalanced, it could lead to structural damage to the roof deck, which could then cause interior leaks or mold or mildew growth.
Use the 1/300 Rule
To determine the amount of ventilation needed, use the minimum 1/300 rule: provide a minimum of one square foot of attic ventilation (evenly split between intake and exhaust) for every 300 square feet of attic floor space. So, if an attic has 1000 square feet, you'll need 3.3 square feet of total attic ventilation evenly split between the soffits/eaves (intake) and at/near the ridge line (exhaust). GAF offers a free roof ventilation calculator to help you get the measurements you need. Always review local building codes in your area for ventilation requirements.
Consider the Type of Vent Needed
There are three main options for attic ventilation methods, static, powered and mechanical. Static vents rely on rising hot air to move air outside, while power vents rely on electricity to run a motor that actively draws air outside. Mechanical vents, like wind turbines, are driven by wind power. Installed in a balanced system, they're all effective. However, the design of the roof/attic space will often help drive the correct product solution. For example, if there is limited ridge line, an off-ridge static vent or power vent may be a better solution than ridge venting. Similarly, if there are no soffits/undereaves for intake venting, a rooftop intake vent may be the best option.
Guiding clients toward the options that best suit their homes and budgets can help position you as the go-to authority next time there's a need for a trusted roofing professional.
Ventilation Solutions for Every Situation
GAF provides a variety of roof ventilation solutions designed to meet the ventilation requirements for a variety of climates and roof designs. In fact, Cobra Ridge Vents and Master Flow Off-Ridge Vents include all the vent product solutions you'll need to ensure continued warranty coverage for your customers.
Rooftop Vents
For bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, dryers, and other appliance vents, the new GAF Master Flow™ Bath & Dryer Vent provides a leak-resistant design, streamlined aesthetics and enhanced warranty coverage through GAF. It has been tested and proven to meet code requirements for ventilation and passes a TAS 100(A) 110 mph wind-driven rain test. Its features include 26-gauge galvanized metal construction, an easy to install/remove bird/insect screen, and up to four color finishes.
For general purpose venting, GAF Master Flow™ Goose Neck Vents are designed for weather resistance and come in aluminum or galvanized (black) finishes. You can also use GAF Master Flow™ All-Purpose Vents, which are made of 26-gauge metal with an aluminum finish, which makes it a solid choice as one of your ventilation solutions.
Attic Ventilation – Intake
The most common location for air intake vents is in the soffits or under the eaves of the roof. GAF offers several varieties of intake venting:
Cobra IntakePro® Rooftop Intake Vent, in a continuous roll, providing 9 square inches of ventilation per linear foot
This product provides critical intake ventilation when there are limited/no soffits existing
Master Flow™ Undereave Intake Vent Aluminum (16"x8" or 16"x4"), providing up to 50 square inches of ventilation per unit
This option is also available in continuous construction, providing 8.5 square inches of ventilation per linear foot
Master Flow™ Undereave Intake Vent Plastic EAP (4"x12"), providing 22 square inches of ventilation per unit
Master Flow™ EmberShield Closeable Soffit Vent (16.5"x9"), providing 56 square inches of ventilation per unit
This model can be especially useful for manual vent operation to help resist fire ember intrusion during wildfire season
Attic Ventilation – Exhaust
GAF has a variety of options for attic exhaust ventilation. The Cobra line of ridge and hip vents are specifically designed for both warmer and colder climates, so you can rest assured they will last through whatever Mother Nature brings to your clients' properties.
For instance, the Cobra® Rigid Vent 3™ Premium Exhaust Vent for Roof Ridge provides 18 square inches of ventilation per linear foot of product, and the Cobra® SnowCountry® Advanced Exhaust Vent for Roof Ridge helps resist weather, insect, and leaf infiltration. The Cobra® RidgeRunner® Exhaust Vent for Roof Ridge offers the speed of a roll vent with the performance of a baffled ridge vent and provides 12.5 square inches of ventilation per linear foot, while Cobra® Exhaust Vent for Roof Ridge is available in both nail gun and hand nail versions and provides a quick and easy ridge venting solution.
For venting on roof hips, use Cobra® Hip Vent Exhaust Vent for Hip Roofs, which provides nine square inches of ventilation per linear foot and helps resist weather, insect, and leaf infiltration on homes with limited/no ridge.
Alternative Venting Options
If ridge and hip vents don't provide enough attic exhaust ventilation for a customer's home, another option available to you is using off-ridge roof louvers to provide the ventilation needed. GAF Master Flow™ SSB960 Super Slant-Back Vents provides 65 square inches of ventilation per unit and includes an optional internal weather/ember-resistant screen There are multiple color options, too, allowing you to select a finish that best matches the home's aesthetic.
As mentioned above, another option is to install a motorized exhaust vent. There are many options to choose from, including solar power, plug in, and Wi-Fi controls. Powered roof vents can provide up to 2,000 square feet of ventilation, depending on the size and speed of the motor. For example, the GAF Master Flow™ Power Attic Vent ERV uses a high-efficiency PSC motor, has an adjustable thermostat, and vents up to 2,800 square feet.
For a gable roof, GAF offers the Master Flow™ Power Attic Vent EGV with a high-efficiency PSC motor and adjustable thermostat. It can vent up to 3,000 square feet.
Building Your Roofing Business with GAF
Offering current and prospective clients a complete line of ventilation solutions can help you increase revenue while ensuring customer satisfaction, both of which are key to building a successful business. GAF provides a robust line of ventilation and rooftop accessory products, including the new Master Flow™ Bath & Dryer Vent, to help you provide your customers with a roofing system they can trust for years to come.
Curious to learn more about the solutions offered through GAF? Reach out to your local Territory Manager today to explore available products and opportunities.
