Should I add a ridge vent to my roof when I have it re-shingled, even if it has good ventilation from the gables at both ends?
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Proper attic ventilation is a must!
Assuming you have a simple gable roof, adding ridge vents, in addition to the open gable end vent, would not be a good idea. Air travels the path of least resistance, so adding a ridge vent would allow the air to travel directly between the open gable end vent and the ridge vent…effectively ventilating only the top 10% of your attic space…not good.
While there may be mitigating factors, generally speaking the best way to ventilate an attic space is a combination of 50% soffit vents and 50% ridge vents. If you take this approach, you must seal off the existing gable end vents from the inside which will prevent the gable end vents from circumventing the proper air flow of cool air from the bottom (soffit vents) to the top (ridge vents).
You can find some great information about proper attic ventilation, including a ridge and soffit vent calculator, at the Owens Corning website: http://roofing.owenscorning.com/homeowner/accessories/ventilation/determinerequirements.aspx
I hope this helps!
Ventilation in the attic space is very important. Depending upon the size of the attic would determine if this was necessary.
You don’t want to install a ridge vent in addition to the gable wall vents. The best option is to seal the gable end vents and install soffit vents (individual or continuous). The amount of soffit screens and length of ridge vents should be in accordance to the amount of attic space your house has. After this is calculated, you can determine the right amount of ventilation that will result in proper attic cooling. I would recommend a GAF Timberline HD systems with a Cobra 3 ridge vent. Hope this helps!
Ventilation is Always Important. if you think ventillation through the soffits is sufficient enough then dont. Keep in mind more than two layers of shingles best off to remove all shingles and install new.
I prefer attic fans over ridge vents that way when there is little air movement it is still cooling the attic.
If it has good ventilation already, then no. Too much air flow can be just as bad as not enough.
If enough soffit vents present, or enough whirlybird vents,there is no need.
if that’s not the case, I would opt for attic exhaust fans,especially in warm climate states.
Proper ventilation is a must for several reasons. First is all roofing material manufacturers mandate square inches of rooftop ventilation per square foot of attic space to achieve the various lifespans of roofing materials. Secondly venting the hot air build up in your attic will reduce your power consumption by your central a.c. unit.
You have options such as ridge vent which is ideal for gable roofs and solar turbines for hipped roofs.
Also poly-iso insulation board and radiant barrier underlayment are even further measures to make your home or commercial building even more energy-efficient.
Your roofing professional should be able to answer these questions.
Every Roof is a different story, weather conditions,pitch,attic temperature.
You would need additional venting like soffit vents or louvers for ridge vent to work
In your situation I would have to say no. From what you have stated in your question you have sufficient ventilation already.
Proper ventilation for a roof is paramount in assuring maximum energy efficiency throughout the home. Failing to achieve the right balance can result in significant consequences in the long term. Mainly, the lifespan of the roof sheathing.
Adding ridge vent is beneficial when the soffit overhang is properly ventilated. Unfortunately, accurately determining this is a common problem. Many homes believed to be vented properly are not. The existing soffit vents are clogged with insulation, animal nest, or decades of dust & debris. Additionally, many contractors who install new vented soffit skip the crucial step of actually drilling sufficient ventilation holes.
That being said, Yes you should add ridge vent to your roof when you have it re-shingled. But you MUST also inspect your soffit ventilation status from inside and out. Get in that attic and look for signs of daylight in the very edges where the roof meets the rafters. Consider hiring a contractor to assist you if you are unsure. Many shingle manufacturers will not honor the warranty if the ridge vent is not present so in most any situation, it is best to have it.
Also, attic fans, especially solar powered, are an excellent investment both in the short term and the long.
You can never have enough ventilation! absolutly! Make sure your soffits have enough venting. In order to creat air movement we neeed intake air as well as exhaust air. Heat rises and a constant flow of air can be achieved with plenty of soffit venting.
If you know you have proper ventalation using the existing gabel vents, there is almost no advantage to add the ridge vent. An assessment of each different roofing situation is necessary to make a proper answer.
There should be sufficient ventalation coming in from the eves and exiting through the gabel vents to make the attic enviroment work properly. The purpose of the ventalation is to allow the heat generated in the attic to excape through natural thermal flow. In addition to the heat excaping, the hot air also carries away the moisture that might build up in the attic.
Adding a ridge vent can never hurt. If you have vented soffits, baffles in your roof rafters and gable end vents you are doing just fine. An attic fan or ridge vent would just be for extra venting precautions. Depending on which of these methods of venting you are using a ridge vent may not be necessary.
Ridge vents on occassion can leak (depending on the driving force of rain). so you may want to really think about a ridge vent. If you’re going to properly vent your soffits when you install the roof, then close the gable vents and add a power ventilator to the roof. One option for soffit venting is vented soffit panels by James Hardie. Hardie has determined the appropriate amount of venting needed in the soffit panel. And, in conjunction with a power roof ventilator, they will provide an appropriate amount of ventilation through your attic.
Note - it is always adviseable to remove the existing roof down to the sheathing to make certain everything is in good shape vs adding a layer on top of an existing roof.
When inspecting the roof sheathing can determine if excessive heat was a issue. A continuous ridge vent would certainly help along with a lower vent to introduce a air flow
Yes, Ridge vent is an excellent option that allows hot air to escape efficiently from an overheated attic leading you to energy savings in the fact that your cooling system does not have to work as hard during those hot summer months. Another suggestion is to have a solar powered attic roof fan installed. They are reasonable in cost and are one of the most effective options in the cooling of your attic and therefore the cooling of your home.