Among the most notable features on your rooftop are the roof vents. Roof vents are usually square shaped and black in colour. They are situated near or at the peak of the roof. Most roof vents are approximately 12’’ by 12’’ in size. With so many manufacturers designing roof vents these days, it’s no surprise that they now come in so many different colours, sizes, and shapes. Roof vents can also appear like a ball-like structure on the roofing. This type is commonly known as the ‘whirlybirds’.

What’s the work of a roof vent?

Vents, as the name suggests are components used to boost ventilation in different spaces. A roof vent functions in the same way. It lets out air from the house or attic space. When a roof is properly ventilated, air flows into the soffits and out through the roof vents.

How many roof vents do you need?

There are guidelines followed by installers on the number of roof vents needed on a roof surface. Most installers will install one roof vent for every 300 sq. ft. of attic space.

What’s a bathroom vent?

Bathroom vents are smaller in size than roof vents. Both are installed to let out air from different spaces but they have certain differences. Bathroom vents are designed with a plate inside them, which helps to control airflow. Roof vents don’t have these plates.

The purpose of the bathroom vent is it drives out air from the bathroom to the outside of the house. In a properly ventilated bathroom, moist air is drawn from the bathroom fan through some piping and then comes out through the bathroom vent. Therefore, bathroom vents function as part of the ventilation system that works in the bathroom.

Buying bathroom vents

You’ll find bathroom vents in your local roofing supply store. One of the things you’ll also come across that can help in proper ventilation is an adapter. The adapter is attached into the piping that vents out air from the bathroom fan. It functions by making the air more airtight. Installing an adapter with the bathroom vent helps the exhaust to work more efficiently.

Use the right vent always

When installing bathroom or roof vents in your home, try not to go for the cheapest option available. Also, some inexperienced installers will use roof vents instead of bathroom vents, which can bring problems in the future. Proper vents must be used if you want your roofing system to perform optimally over the years. When the condensation from the bathroom fan is sent to a roof vent instead of a bathroom vent, it falls back on the roof and wood. You’ll end up dealing with issues like water stained wood and wood rot because of using the wrong vent.

If you suspect that your roofing system has ventilation issues, call a contractor for help. A Roof repair in Oakville contractor in Oakville will perform an inspection to determine if the right vents were used during installation.

Clare Louise