3 Attic Ventilation Myths, Debunked

Most homeowners don’t give roofing – or, specifically, attic ventilation – a lot of thought. But if you’re like most people, you’ve heard these attic ventilation myths that don’t have a shred of truth to them.

3 Common Attic Ventilation Myths

Some of the most common – and ridiculous – attic ventilation myths include:

• Vents take out warm air during winter
• Seeing roof vents means your attic is properly vented
• You only need roof vents in hot climates

Let’s take a closer look at each of these myths.

Attic Ventilation Myth #1: Vents take out warm air during winter.

Hot air rises, so it makes sense that heated air from your home travels into your attic and right out of your roof’s exhaust vents – right?

Wrong. Roof vents don’t work that way. The air in your attic should never be heated (or cooled, for that matter) by your HVAC system. Usually, when warm air escapes your attic during winter, it’s because the insulation isn’t doing its job. The temperature in your attic should be pretty close to outdoor temperatures in most circumstances unless the sun is heating things up.

Attic Ventilation Myth #2: Seeing roof vents means your attic is properly vented.

Having a few exhaust vents on your roof doesn’t mean that your attic is properly vented. A good ventilation system requires both intake and exhaust vents, and sometimes those vents are blocked or damaged – and when that happens, the system can’t work properly. You should have your roof inspected at least once a year (more often if it may have been damaged in a storm) to check on your ventilation system and ensure it’s working properly. When the ventilation system fails, your roof is prone to serious damage that could even lead to the need for a complete roof replacement.

Attic Ventilation Myth #3: You only need roof vents in hot climates.

You do need roof vents in hot climates. You also need them in cold climates and climates like ours where we experience all four seasons.

A lot of people mistakenly believe that the sole purpose of an attic ventilation system is to make a building more energy-efficient in the summer when hot air travels up and moves out of the house. However, it’s about more than hot air – it’s also about moisture. A good ventilation system moves moist air out of the attic and brings in cooler, drier air. If your ventilation system is trapping damp air in your attic, you’re going to face mold and mildew problems, and the components of your roof are going to be prone to damage and rot.

Related: Leaky roofs cause mold growth

Should You Have Your Roof Inspected?

If you think your roof’s ventilation system isn’t working properly, you probably need a free roof inspection. We can send a technician to your home at a time that’s convenient for you, and we’ll check your roof vents, shingles and other roofing components to make sure the entire system is working together to protect your home and your family.