Should you close roof vents in winter?

You should absolutely leave your roof vents open during the winter – do not cover them! During the winter, roof ventilation works to keep temperatures even. Closing your vents makes the attic space too warm and dry – dangerous conditions for mold as well as pests.

hvac.com - Should you cover roof vents in the winter? Pros, cons & considerations

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Should you cover roof vents in the winter? Pros, cons & considerations

At HVAC.com, our writers create solutions that put you in control of your HVAC system. Our product reviews and recommendations are researched and backed by real buyers and industry experts, not dictated by our partners. During the winter months, home maintenance needs differ from when it’s warm outside. Roof ventilation is a concern to many homeowners, especially those concerned with energy and heat conservation. Should covering your roof vents be on your winter home maintenance to-do list? Read on to find out.

Should I cover my roof vents in the winter?

Roof ventilation is important year-round. During the winter, your home’s roof vents allow moisture to leave the attic space, preventing the growth of mold and mildew that can occur even during this typically dry period. You should absolutely leave your roof vents open during the winter – do not cover them! During the winter, roof ventilation works to keep temperatures even. Closing your vents makes the attic space too warm and dry – dangerous conditions for mold as well as pests. Keeping your roof vents open keeps the roof at an even temperature to prevent damaging ice dams, where water backs up underneath your shingles, freezing and causing damage to your roofing components and structure as well as your gutters. When the attic becomes too warm due to closed vents, snow and ice on the roof readily melts. This causes free-flowing water to run between shingles and down to the gutters. Hitting uneven roof temperatures caused by blocked vents leads to the refreezing that is troubling.

Want to get a system check-up just to be safe? Yes, please!

It’s ok for your attic to be cold in the winter because the roof vents are open. An attic with good air sealing will not cause your home to become colder or expend additional energy for heating. If heating energy is making its way into your attic, the way to solve this problem is by upping attic insulation rather than closing roof vents.

Clearing roof vents in winter

Heavy winter storms lead to snow and ice accumulation which may affect your roof ventilation’s ability to allow free-flowing air to move through the attic. Ice buildup also weighs on the roof structure, which is dangerous when it becomes heavy. It may be necessary to clear your roof vents after heavy winter precipitation. To do so safely, it is best to enlist the help of a snow removal contractor. You should not attempt to climb upon an unsafe roof covered with snow and ice. A licensed, insured contractor will use the proper tools to alleviate snow and ice accumulation while protecting roof vents from damage.

Caring for roof ventilation

Make sure your roof vents perform properly during the winter by performing some easy maintenance in the fall.

Clean under-eave to remove debris

Clean attic fan to remove debris

Clear sticks, leaves, and other materials away from exhaust vents on the roof These steps will allow air to come and go from your attic, maintaining proper roof ventilation throughout the winter. Mold in an attic becomes a dangerous and costly problem – prevent moisture accumulations with simple maintenance for your roof vents.

Find roof ventilation help on HVAC.com

HVAC contractors have the roof ventilation solutions your home needs to maintain proper attic temperatures and airflow throughout the winter. Get the help you need by finding a licensed, local HVAC company.

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When should you not use a ridge vent?

During heavy rains, deep snow or high winds along with rain can enter through the vent and stain the ceiling below. Most manufacturers state that a ridge vent should not be installed on a roof with a pitch (slope) of 3-1/2 in 12 or less.

courierpress.com - Home Fix: Are ridge vents always necessary? - CourierPress

Evansville

Q: During a recent heavy rain I noticed water stains on my ceiling that were not there when the home was inspected just four months ago. I called the home inspector, and he said the roof was not steep enough to have a ridge vent. Is this true?

A: A ridge vent is installed at a slit opening the roofer cuts along the peak of the roof. A corrugated plastic vent is then installed to cover the slit opening and shingles are applied to cover the plastic. During heavy rains, deep snow or high winds along with rain can enter through the vent and stain the ceiling below. Most manufacturers state that a ridge vent should not be installed on a roof with a pitch (slope) of 3-1/2 in 12 or less. The slope is calculated by measuring the rise of a roof rafter for every 12 inches of level run. Think of a triangle with the base being the level run and the sloped angle as the pitch. A 12/12 pitched roof would be a 45-degree angle. Many roofers unknowingly install a ridge vent even when they are not necessary or do not meet the minimum standards of the building codes. When a reroof is required, most jurisdictions require a permit and an inspection from the local building authority. Have a licensed home inspector inspect the roof venting system to make sure it meets minimum standards. Write to C. Dwight Barnett, Courier & Press, P.O. Box 268, Evansville, IN 47702, or email dbarnett4539@gmail.com. Please include a SASE.