What about ventilation?

Whether you are having a metal roof or an asphalt roof system installed--the roof needs to be ventilated.  There are two types of ventilation systems:
1. Static systems (natural power)
2.  Active systems (rely on electricity)

There are advantages and disadvantages of both systems.  The important thing is to make sure that you have the ventilation system best suited for you home.  Ask your RG Metal Roofing Project manager what ventilation system is required for your home. www.rgroofing.com, www.rg-metal.com.  The purpose (reduced to its simplest form) of attic ventilation is to keep you attic cool in the summer and dry in the winter.  I will elaborate over the next series of posts for ventilation.

Below are a few different types of static systems.
Ridge Vent
Gable Vents
750 Static Vents
Soffit Vents

I'll explain today how a Ridge vent system works.  Ridge vent takes advantage of natural convection (hot air rising) to ventilate your attic.  Soffit panels, which are used as intake in a ridge vent system are installed under the eave or gutter line of your house.  Ridge vent is used as exhaust and is installed at the peak or highest point of your roof.  When hot air rises in the intake and exist the ridge a continuous flow is achieved and the entire attic is vented.  Most ridge vent is designed with baffles so when a leeward wind goes across the ridge it pulls (which is actually a push...keeping it simple) or draws the air out of the attic--once again using the soffit panels as intake.  Ridge vent has become one of the most common ventilation systems (with no moving parts to break) all over the United States.  This system is inexpensive and easy to install.

Does ridge vent work properly on every home?  Absolutely not.  Some contractors try to sell ridge vent to every customer who purchases a roof no matter what; however, if ridge vent is added to a static system already in place there is a good possibility that a continuous flow of air through the entire attic does not take place.  Adding ridge vent to a roof that has gable vents is a bad practice which is practiced all too often.  When adding ridge vent gable vents should always be blocked off.  The purpose of the ridge vent is to vent the entire attic from the lowest point to the highest point.  When installed with gable vents in place, ridge vent will use the gable vents as intake instead of the soffit panels.  This will leave the lowest portions of the attic stagnant.

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners and contractors make during the purchase and installation of a roof system is not discussing ridge vent and making sure the proper ventilation system is in place.  Look for more ventilation information on our blog.  Call today and have a RG Roofing & Exteriors Project Manager help you find the best ventilation for your home.  Also, do some research of your own with any of the ventilation manufacturers websites.

Air Vent Inc
Lomanco
Masterflow

www.airvent.com
www.lomanco.com
www.gaf.com

Metal roofing can be installed in lower temperatures all winter long.  If you have been thinking about purchasing a metal roof this year, don't get in a hurry just because cold weather is just around the corner.  Asphalt shingles should really only be installed at temperatures above 40F.  Metal roofing on the other hand can be installed professionally at much lower temperatures.  Take your time with your investment and make sure that you have prepared yourself with adequate research.  Visit www.decra.com for more information on  stone coated steel roofing. Visit www.metalsales.us.com for more information on standing seam and the different profiles offered by RG metal roofing.  Call for a free quote 636-937-7050.

Why is metal and steel roofing growing in the St.. Louis market?  The answer is easy--metal roofing outlasts asphalt shingle roofing every time.  If adequate research is completed by any consumer shopping for a new roof from a cost, aesthetic and efficiency standpoint, the smart purchase always leads to steel or metal roofing.

Take a quick view of the cost comparison between asphalt and stone coated steel roofing.  In the St. Louis market on a walkable pitch roof the cost of an asphalt shingle (25-30 year) install should be in the $225 to $300 cost per square (100 square feet).  An asphalt shingle roof without adequate ventilation might last 20 years.  Over a 40 year term the cost will be more than doubled due to inflation.  A stone coated steel roof Decra roof can be installed for about $500 per square.  50 years of stone coated steel makes purchasing an asphalt roof seem ridiculous.

Take a moment to visit our metal roofing page RG Metal.  Set up an appointment with a project manager and research our stone coated steel line from Decra.  Save yourself time and money!  Still not convinced?  Check out our website for low and steep slope optionsRG Roofing & Exteriors