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How Should I Ventilate My Metal Roof?

Metal Roof

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Standing seam metal roofs are better than ever because of advancements in material quality and paneling design. Indeed, nowadays, there are many reasons to prefer a metal roof!

Metal roofing is nearly always better than shingles. Metal is more durable, needs less care, is fire-resistant, wind-resistant, and pest-resistant, and sheds precipitation and debris better. Metal roofs cost more than shingles. But a well-installed standing seam metal roof should be the last one you install in your life.

Metal Roof Ventilation Myths

Metal roofing doesn’t need as much ventilation as other roofs because it is so resilient. But ventilation is not only about the roofing material. So, to put some light on this theme, we will review metal roofing ventilation here.

You Will Need Attic Ventilation

A metal roof doesn’t reduce the need for attic ventilation. Ventilation operates as follows:

As you presumably learned when young, hot air rises. So, hot air balloons can take flight! Indoors, heat also rises. Warm air rises to the roof. If this air is not ventilated, heat accumulation can cause various problems, including:

  • Summer cooling is harder

If your roof gets heat, so will your attic. As your attic heats, it is tougher to regulate your home’s temperature. This causes your A/C to work harder and remain on longer, increasing energy expenses and wear and tear. Metal roofs are cooler than other varieties because of their reflecting qualities. However, your roof and attic may get heated on a sunny day, no matter what style you pick. So, trapped heat will have nowhere to go without sufficient ventilation.

  • Winter ice dams

Winter snowfall can damage unvented roofs. When snow or ice melts owing to roof heat, it can swiftly refreeze on roof overhangs. This issue causes dangerous ice jams. Therefore, roof ventilation helps prevent ice dams from forming.

  • Condensation inside

Without insulation and ventilation, metal roofs can sweat because of conductive cooling. Moisture may promote mold and mildew growth and cause structural damage. Likewise, bathing, cooking, and laundry may produce a lot of humidity in living areas. Without attic ventilation, this moisture can’t escape.

  • Ventilated Metal Roofs

You can install forced-air blowers in your attic. But most roof ventilation systems use static ventilation. Static ventilation is not necessary because the roof system promotes natural airflow.

Static ventilation uses rising warm air to transport heat and moisture out of your attic through roof vents. Proper roof ventilation requires balancing input and exhaust. Many property owners believe that by installing roof vents, heat will escape on its own. Yet, exhaust vents alone won’t encourage enough air movement without intake vents as well. Good ventilation requires balance and flow.

Here are the main types of metal roof vents:

  • Roof vents

Standard ridge vents or low-profile ridge vents are excellent for metal roofs. Ridge vents are built along the roof’s ridgeline. Where the angled metal panels meet, venting material is installed and covered with metal roof ridge cap flashing. This style of ridge vent lets warm, damp air escape.

  • Vents

Ridge vents are good but are not enough. Without a satisfactory intake system, proper ventilation won’t be possible. At the roof’s lower edge, soffit vents or drip edge vents serve this purpose.

As heated air rises in the attic, these intake vents bring in the fresh air, allowing a more regular airflow throughout the roof system. Include enough intake vents to equal warm air output at the ridge vents.

  • Soffits

Gable vents are generally found around the peak of side gable regions. They can act as intakes or exhausts, depending on your venting system. Gable vents aren’t a viable alternative to a balanced ridge-and-eave vent system, but they can provide additional ventilation and aesthetic value.

Why Louisiana Roof Crafters Is the Best Metal Roofer

Are you looking for roofing installation and repair? We’re the most reliable triad roofers.

Residential and commercial buildings benefit from metal roofs. However, make sure your roof design includes proper ventilation.

Call Louisiana Roof Crafters at 985-238-4575 for more information. We service areas in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Hammond, Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, and New Orleans, LA.

Also Read About- Why Choose LA Roof Crafters for Your New Roof

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