Metal Roof Ventilation: How to Ensure Its Durability?

Getting a durable roof covering is very important to keep your home in good condition in the long run. Just like a professional roof paint. However, for it to fulfill its role well, you will need to make sure to ventilate it well. Here’s what you should know about ventilating your metal roof in Quebec.

Humidity problems

The climate in Quebec, as you already know, varies greatly from one season to the next. However, this variation can sometimes cause moisture problems in a roof. For example, during the summer, humidity and ambient heat are omnipresent and often remain trapped in the attic of a house. In addition to causing discomfort, they can also affect the total lifespan of a roof.

Conversely, in winter, when it is cold, warm air from inside the house naturally rises into the attic and often comes into contact with cold air outside. The difference between the two temperatures sometimes causes condensation, which turns into ice patches on the roof. For all these reasons, it is therefore very important to properly ventilate your roof.

Adequate roof ventilation

When a contractor builds a new home, he must also design a roof designed to be adequately ventilated, regardless of the season. However, if this roof already exists, how can it be ventilated? In Quebec, the vast majority of sloped house roofs are equipped with ventilation devices located directly under the roof. Often referred to as ” soffits ,” these devices are drilled with holes to allow air to flow freely from the outside into the attic.

To allow warm air to escape properly, it is also important to install one or more vents at the top of the roof. This way, the air will not get stuck in the attic in summer or winter. However, when snow falls in large quantities, it can sometimes render roof vents ineffective. In this case, it is safer to opt for one or more fans that can circulate the air better.

How to calculate optimal roof ventilation?

The ventilation of a roof is often represented by a ratio calculated according to the surface area of the roof to be ventilated. However, be aware that this ratio will not be the same depending on the type and slope of the roof. Generally, if your roof has openings on the ridge and edges of the roof, you will need to install a ventilation system that is 1/300 of the size of the roof. However, if the roof has only openings in its edges, this ratio should be equal to 1:150 of the area.

Does your house have a flat roof? Ventilation is paramount on this type of roof, as the accumulation of debris and water can affect its durability. However, as its shape does not allow natural air circulation in the attic, you will need to install a high-performance ventilation system. To find out how to calculate the ventilation ratio needed for this type of roof, we advise you to call on our experts. These can help you keep your roof in good condition for many years to come.

Quality roof ventilation by Toitures Urbi

At Toitures Urbi, we are aware that a roof is an essential part of your property and that it requires good ventilation to remain solid. Whether you need to prevent or repair damage on or in your roof, our team will always be there to ensure your safety and comfort. Contact us today at 1-877-447-8181 or fill out the contact form on our website!