Do You Have The Right Intake Vents?

  Intake vents are a vital part of every roof. While most homes have some type of intake for air to get into the attic, many homes have little or absolutely nothing at all. When getting a new roof, it is important to determine not only what you have currently, but what you need when spending thousands on a roof.

 - Vented Soffit:

 Many homes have a vinyl soffit that covers the area under where the roof overhangs. While this would potentially allow for air to cycle into the attic, many homes have solid soffit covering these areas, which means that they are not getting any air at all. If there is enough area for proper intake, the correction is as simple as getting either vented (visible holes in the bottom of the soffit) or hidden vent (non-visible holes on the inside of the grooves) soffits installed.

 - Soffit Vents (Metal Registers):

 Soffit vents, while similar in name and function, are two different intakes. Soffit vents are metal registers, similar to the ones in most homes that move air from the HVAC system to rooms. These are an eyesore when used for soffit, but are generally a decent source of intake. The benefit of this type is you can install as many as needed with relative ease. The code in most areas of Michigan is one vent for every 150 SF, meaning larger homes would have to have quite a few installed to function properly.

 - Vented Drip Edge:

 This type of intake is considered one of the worse, and is rarely used as a main source of intake. This is due to the low amount of intake it provides never really fulfilling the needs of the home. It is only recommended in cases where there the home is very close to meeting the intake expectations and needs a little boost when getting a roof.

 - Box Vents:

 Yes, box vents are meant to be an exhaust vent, but in some cases, they will be a necessary intake vent. They provide little intake, but on a roof where there is a low pitch, no intakes and no other venting material is possible, this will be used as a last resort. It is unsightly and bulky, but it is much more cost effective than having your roof completely rebuilt to make for proper inward flow.

 - Smart/Edge Vent:

 Smart vent has become an amazing breakthrough for proper attic air intake. This material is installed on the roof itself just behind the gutter or a few feet higher depending on the roofs design. Roof vents allow for very good intake to come into the home without having to touch the soffits in most cases, and is a cost effective alternative to major construction. The main downside is that they are often visible when looking from a distance, as well as not always being an option depending on the pitch of the roof.

 - In Short:

Soffit vents, smart vents, and vented soffits are all effective ways to improve attic ventilation. There are far too many variables to determine in one article which intake vent would be best for your home, but using this information will provide you with the foresight of what to expect when getting quotes and arm you with the knowledge you need to make sure you get what you need. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on the unique needs of your home. It's important to consult with a professional to determine the best option for your specific situation.

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