New! Asphalt Shingle Guidelines for Residential Contractors

Venting in Steep-Slope Roofing

To obtain a copy of a specific publication, users should contact the publication's publisher directly.

Abstract
Steep roof venting allows attic and cathedral ceiling rafter spaces to either passively vent through convection or actively vent through mechanical means to manage temperature and moisture levels. Convection venting is a movement of air caused by warmer air to rise and exhaust to the exterior, while mechanical venting is the use of electrical fans to draw and exhaust the air to the exterior. For new construction, roof venting is usually a code requirement. In addition, many manufacturers require roof venting before providing a roof system warranty for reroofing projects. Failure to install venting can lead to premature deterioration of the roofing materials and structure due to increased temperature and humidity, condensation, and the formation of ice dams in colder climates. A wide variety of venting products and strategies have been developed through the years, but selecting, installing, and maintaining a system that works for a given project and climate requires careful consideration.
Date
7/2022
Author(s)
Page(s)
1-10
Keyword(s)
venting; airflow; installing; ceiling


Note: Documents in this section are provided as Adobe Acrobat PDF files. In order to print and view PDF files, the Adobe Acrobat Reader software/plugin, which runs on Microsoft Windows, Macintosh, OS/2 and various versions of UNIX, must be installed on your computer. Adobe Acrobat Reader is available for download as freeware from Adobe Acrobat's website. Please note that the resolution of on-screen versions is not as high as printed versions of PDF files.

Advertisement

Subscribe for Updates Join 25,000+ roofing professionals following NRCA

Subscribe to NRCA