Vent A Metal Roof Or Not

The building codes and building science for.

Vent a metal roof or not.

In many cases for existing homes this is the easier way to go. The majority of roofing experts agree that ridge vents are the most effective and cost effective roof vents available. Ventilation that meets code requirements is adequate for any type of roofing material including metal. Since conventional venting is probably not a good option for your roof the needle points toward the spray foam option you noted.

Take for example ridge vents. The idea of roof vents existed for hundreds of years with natural vents employed in chinese buildings during the tang dynasty natural ventilation ducts in the buddhist monks caves and wind catchers incorporated in arabian architecture. Vent roofs with steeples towers or cupolas can be found in different buildings from barns to cathedrals. I have roof vents so i have roof ventilation.

Metal roof ridge vent one of the most important components of a residential roof is the ventilation system. One of the big reasons homeowners choose metal roofing is for the uninterrupted run of metal from the top of the roof to the gutter which reduces the risk of leaks. While hardly anybody agrees on the best roof ventilation system everybody agrees some roof vents do hardly any good at all. Air must be able enter through the soffit vent and exit through a ridge or gable end vent.

Plus roofing and attic ventilation systems can protect homes from the expensive roof and structural damage caused by trapped heat ice dams moisture and mold. In snow country a poorly designed ridge vent could become covered with snow which would allow air into the roof assembly but not allow it to escape. The hip style porch roof leaves just a short section of horizontal roof meeting the wall and there s no room between the windowsills and that section of roof for the vent to fit. The other option of course is a vented attic which requires an equal balance of intake and exhaust vents.

Proper air movement from soffit vent to ridge vent is not always possible. A metal roof typically does not increase nor decrease the need for ventilation. A home s ventilation system consists of everything from roof vents to the best attic fans without the right roofing and attic ventilation system your home can become uncomfortable and cost more to cool or heat. However there are a few simple tips that will help make the process a little easier and also ensure that the vents are placed to allow the maximum benefit.

We do need to mention though one very rare scenario we have seen just a couple of times over our 35 years. Installing some type of ventilation mechanism on a metal roof is not a lot different from the addition of vents to any type of roof. Metal roofing works well with this because the metal is unaffected by heat not being able to pass through it and enter the attic.