4 Questions to Ask Before Installing a Roof Vent​ in Poughkeepsie, NY

4 Questions to Ask Before Installing a Roof Vent

Deciding whether or not to install roof vents has always been the problem of many homeowners in Poughkeepsie, NY, who have poorly ventilated roofs. Many experts in roof and siding repair in Poughkeepsie, NY, understand the importance of a well-ventilated roof. Consequently, they also understand the consequences that may befall homeowners if their roofs don’t have adequate ventilation.

A poorly ventilated roof can produce many problems, namely ice dams, high internal temperatures, and high energy costs, to name a few. If you think installing a roof vent in your attic is the only way to solve the problem, we suggest you slow down. We’ll help you assess everything by giving you four essential questions you need to answer first before you go ahead and install vents on your roof.

1. Do you really need a new roof vent?

It can be tempting to browse for roof vents online, especially if you’re tired of the heat plaguing your home. And we can’t blame you! Roof vents are impressively effective in properly ventilating attics, and they might be the solution you’re looking for. But before you click the purchase button and buy everything in your shopping cart, you need to ask yourself one simple question: “Do you really need a new roof vent?”

If you’re planning to install new vents on your roof, you must first understand whether you need one. The best way to know is to ask a roof and siding repair specialist in Poughkeepsie, NY. They know more about roof ventilation than any homeowner, so it’s a good idea to consult them first.

If they helped you conclude that you really need roof vents, then you can confidently say they are the best option for your roof. Roof vents offer a lot of benefits, such as:

  • They extend your roof’s lifespan
  • They can reduce your rising energy costs
  • They can reduce indoor temperature extremes

     

So if you really need a new roof vent, contact a roof and siding repair specialist in Poughkeepsie, NY; waiting is no point!

2. How many roof vents do you need?

If you answered yes to the previous question, it’s time to ask yourself the second question: “How many roof vents do you need?”

Experts in roof and siding repair in Poughkeepsie, New York, often follow this guideline.
For every 300 square feet of ceiling area, each homeowner will require 1 square foot of roof vent. If your roof has a vapor barrier, the same principle still holds true. Remember the 1:300 ratio to keep things easy. One square foot of roof vent, or 1:150, is sufficient to cover 150 square feet of ceiling space if your roof does not have a vapor barrier.

So if you have a 2,400-square-foot home that uses a vapor barrier, you’ll need around 8 square feet of the roof vent. It’s also worth noting that you’ll need to split these roof vents evenly; half is dedicated to being an intake, while the other half is an exhaust. You’ll also need to consider factors such as your area’s climate.

If you want to find out the accurate number of roof vents your home needs, contact a roof and siding expert in Poughkeepsie, NY, today. They will conduct an inspection to determine how many roof vents your home needs.

3. What kind of roof vent do you need?

Every home has needs, and you can say the same when choosing roof vents. Your home may need a completely different roof vent than your neighbor’s, and you’ll need a concrete plan for buying and installing suitable roof vents before you even purchase them. Here’s a quick list of some of the roof vents options available for you:

Box Vents

Box vents are ideal for homeowners who want something cheap yet effective. A roof and siding repair specialist in Poughkeepsie, NY, will need to create a hole in your roof and place a box vent on it. Doing so will allow the rising hot air and moisture out of your roof. Remember that since box vents are passive, you may need to install more than the typical number of vents.

Soffit Vents

Soffit vents aren’t technically on the roof, yet they can still provide excellent ventilation for your roof. These vents are ideal for homeowners who want to keep their home’s curb appeal while providing proper ventilation to their roofs. But since roof and siding repair experts in Poughkeepsie, NY, will install them at the lowest side of the roof, you may need to pair them with another type of vent that acts as an exhaust.

Wind Turbines

These whirlybirds are the classic roof vent options of many residents in Poughkeepsie, NY. They might not be a looker themselves, but they’re incredibly effective in drawing hot air and moisture out of your roof. And since the wind powers wind turbines, you won’t have to worry about increasing energy bills!

Power Vents

Power vents are for you if you want the best roof vent available. These vents are electrically powered, meaning they’re more capable of drawing out hot air and moisture than any roof vents on this list. There are even some power vents that automatically turn on once your roof’s temperature gets too high!

Ridge Vents

As the name suggests, ridge vents are installed on the roof’s ridges. They’re not as detectable as other roof vents, making them a good option for homeowners who prefer a stealthy ventilation system. Unbeknownst to the public, many roofs and siding repair specialists in Poughkeepsie, NY, believe that ridge vents are the most efficient.

Cupola Vents

Cupola vents may look more like a decorative extension of your home, but they’re functional, and you can pair them with other more powerful vents to heighten their performance.

4. Who should you hire to install your roof vents?

Roof Vent Installation​ in Poughkeepsie, NY

Last but not least, you must hire a reputable roof and siding repair company in Poughkeepsie, NY, to install your choice of roof vents on your behalf. Companies like the Roofer of Poughkeepsie have been installing roof vents in the area for years, and they’re the authority you can rely on in all things roofing. Relying on them is the best decision you can make, not only for your poorly ventilated roof but also for your finances.