Roof vents are a common feature in many residential buildings. Unfortunately, many new homeowners choose to install attic ventilation without having sufficient information about attic ventilation. Many such homeowners end up not getting value for their money with respect to their choice of roof ventilation.

Here are three things you should know before you call in the roofing contractor for roof vent installation.

Attic Ventilation Is Not Reserved For Warm Climate Areas

There's a common misconception that roof ventilation is not important for houses located in cold climate areas. For many homeowners, the main reason for investing in attic ventilation is to reduce energy consumption within the home by preventing the build-up of heat within the attic.

However, it's important to point out that several other factors may have a more significant effect on energy efficiency. These factors include the color chosen for roof shingles, the extent to which the roof is exposed to direct sunlight and how well the roof is ventilated.

Roof ventilation is just as important for cold climate areas because it reduces the likelihood that ice dams will form within the attic.

Ice dams are formed when there's an accumulation of warm air around the peak of the attic, with lower areas of the attic remaining cold. The warm air melts snow that may have accumulated near the peak of the roof, hence the formation of dams.

Attic ventilation systems help to maintain uniform temperatures within all areas of the roof, making the formation of ice dams difficult.

Solar-Powered Roof Ventilation Systems Are Cheaper Than Electric Systems

Electric and solar-powered ventilation systems are categorized as active systems. Solar-powered ventilation systems are often more expensive to purchase. In some cases, they're also more expensive to install. Thus, many homeowners end up settling for electric ventilation systems thanks to their perceived affordability.

However, it's important to point out that the installation of electric systems will not necessarily be cheaper if the roofing contractor has to do the electrical wiring within your attic from scratch.

Solar-powered roof ventilation systems end up paying for themselves in terms of the long-terms savings to be made on residential electricity consumption. Thus, they are the cheaper option in the long run.

Insulation And Ventilation Go Together

Installing a ventilation system should not be considered a substitute for proper ventilation within the attic. Even the most advanced ventilation system won't prevent heat loss/build-up if your roof is not properly insulated.

Ask the roofing contractor to ascertain that the attic has adequate ventilation before a new ventilation system is installed (such as skydome ventilation).