Roof Ventilation: Why It’s Important

By Gerry Donaghue • November 30, 2015
Roof Ventilation: Why It’s Important

Do you know if your roof is properly ventilated? If it’s not, your roof system could suffer from costly damage and your electricity bill, too! To understand the importance of roof ventilation and the potential effects of inadequate ventilation, we’ve pulled together some useful information.

The Effects Of Improper Ventilation

Roof ventilation not only affects your roof, but can affect your entire home’s heating and cooling systems. During cold seasons roof ventilation helps to release any heat collected in the attic. Heat that accumulates in the attic is dangerous during the winter season because it can prematurely thaw snow and ice on your roof, leading to ice dams. During warmer weather, improper roof ventilation will trap heat in the attic and have a significant impact on your cooling systems, making your home less energy efficient. Proper roof ventilation is crucial in releasing unwanted stored heat in the attic to protect your roof and your climate control systems.

Another danger of poor roof ventilation is moisture buildup. Without an adequate way to escape, trapped moisture can have significantly damaging effects to the substructure of your roof. Overtime moisture could cause mold and mildew could develop, nails to rust and even break and your roof deck to rot. Adequate ventilation will provide an escape route for heat and moisture and prevent these costly calamities.

Roof Ventilation Methods

There are several types of roof ventilation methods and the best options vary from home to home. To find out what ventilation method is best for your home and roof system consult an expert roofer, like GT Donaghue Construction & Metal Roofing. But first, we’ll give you a basic run down. Here are some of the main methods:

  • Soffit Vents & Ridge Vents: These two ventilation systems work in tandem. Proper ventilation systems provide a point of entry and point of exit. Soffit vents are found underneath a roof’s overhang. Alternatively, ridge vents run along the peak of a roof, providing an escape route for hot air and any moisture in the attic. Both of these ventilation systems work together and allow your home and building to breathe.
  •  Attic Fans: To really help with ventilation, attic fans or whole house fans may be installed to draw out warm attic air through roof vents and out of your home.
  • Gable Vents: These vents can be found on either end of your home under the peak of your roof and on the siding. They help air flow out of the attic, while preventing snow and moisture to enter.

For more information, a roof inspection or installation and maintenance services, don’t hesitate to call us at GT Donaghue Construction & Roofing. We’re more than happy to help establish a healthy and safe roof system on your home. Call or click here for a quote!

New Website, Same Commitment to Quality Craftsmanship

February 17, 2025
Welcome to our new website for GT Donaghue Construction & Metal Roofing, LLC! We are so excited to roll out a much needed refresh on our website and share it with all of you. And with a new website comes a reintroduction to us here at GT Donaghue Construction! For those not familiar with us, GT Donaghue Construction & Metal Roofing, LLC (formerly Donaghue Construction) has been in business for almost 40 years working across New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and even parts of New York bringing quality craftsmanship and decades of experience to all the projects we complete. Gerry Donaghue, our founder, started this business out of his house formerly in Nashua, NH and has sustained a quality business over the years through hard work and resilience. We have navigated fluctuations in the industry across the years with some years only allowing for a few members on our crew and some calling for multiple crews and larger partnerships. The one thing that hasn’t changed? Gerry’s commitment to high standard work and building relationships with the folks he serves. A family owned business, his daughter Ashley supports him on his admin team (after she did her time driving the dump truck for him as a teenager!), his brother Andrew works on the job site, and his wife Pat has always been there to help when needed-you can sometimes see her in the office or even at a home show! Gerry has a wealth and variety of experience ranging from ground up new builds, additions and interior remodels, deck installations, siding replacements and installations, and of course his favorite-metal roofing installations. Whether it is a unique custom job or a traditional upgrade, GT Donaghue Construction & Metal Roofing can help you out! We hope you enjoy our new website and feel free to reach out to us when we can help at your house!

Why You Should Use Vinyl Siding for Your Home

By By Gerry Donaghue • January 4, 2023
If you’ve been thinking about doing an exterior remodel of your home then you’ve probably already asked yourself of those around you: Is siding better than wood or brick? Undoubtedly, you’ve probably received several differing opinions in reply, especially if you merely asked close friends and family rather than sought the input of a professional.…

Why You Should Have a Professional Winterproof Your Roof

By By Gerry Donaghue • December 4, 2022
Getting your home ready to face another winter is serious business, especially if you live somewhere the weather tends to be severe that time of year. The right roofing professional can help you make sure your roof is completely up to the challenge at hand, and you’d do well to hire one. Here’s why. Get…

It’s All in the Numbers When It Comes to Metal Roof Installation

By By Gerry Donaghue • November 4, 2022
All do it yourself projects require vast amounts of planning and dedication in order to bring them to completion. Some DIY projects around the home are simple, yet others are more complicated. One such complicated project is that of the metal roof installation. First and foremost, before beginning a roofing project, you should be aware…

Investing in a Metal Roof

By By Gerry Donaghue • October 4, 2022
When deciding to make an investment in a new roof, choosing the appropriate material is essential. For homeowners that decide to go with metal roofing, it is important to hire a reputable company that aligns with each of your goals. As the homeowner, you must make sure to review past customer experiences, do cost comparisons …;

How to Handle Metal Roof Maintenance

By By Gerry Donaghue • September 4, 2022
When it comes to roofing material, metal is the longest lasting. Not only does it last longer than most, but it also takes the least amount of maintenance. Most homeowners find this to be appealing. That doesn’t mean that there’s no upkeep required though. You may be wondering: what is required for residential metal roofs?…

Four Reasons to Work with Metal Roof Professionals

By By Gerry Donaghue • August 4, 2022
Metal roofing has a lot of benefits. It is durable and long lasting and extremely low maintenance. However, the most essential thing that you can do once you have chosen to have a metal roof installed is to hire the right roofing company. Here are some of the things to look for in metal roof…

3 Reasons Vinyl Siding Remains the First Choice of Exterior Cladding for Single-Family Homes

By By Gerry Donaghue • July 4, 2022
The main purpose of siding is to prevent the intrusion of outside moisture, cold, heat and pests into homes. Vinyl is one of many materials that may be used to form this barrier. According to recent statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, vinyl siding remains the number one choice for exterior cladding when it comes…

Everything You Need To Know About a Shingle Roof

By By Gerry Donaghue • June 23, 2022
There are many reasons why choosing a shingle roof is such a popular option in the United States. For one thing, shingles have an Americana feel that looks great with many homes. Also, shingles can last as much as 20–30 years before requiring replacement. That makes them a great investment. Whether you’re weighing your options…;
More Posts
Share by: