It is absolutely necessary to have good ventilation in roofs. An energy-efficient home, situated in Summerlin's warm climate, must have a proper roof and roof ventilation to work well. The attic can be the hottest part of the house due to the natural flow of heat up and the roof's solar exposure. Proper intake and exhaust vents allow the heat that accumulates in the attic to escape while cooler air circulates. Roof ventilation does not need to make the attic space icy, a feat impossible for a ventilation system to achieve. However, the system should be able to keep the attic space around 10 degrees F cooler than the roof surface during the summer months.
Roof ventilation services come in many forms and serve many purposes. Choosing the right type for your home may require the assistance of a professional. If you know that your home has a ventilation problem or that it is at risk of developing one, you can select from either passive or active roof ventilation systems. The former rely on nature; the latter use energy. Passive systems, such as turbine vents, rely on natural airflow and are a popular choice because they are low maintenance and effective. Active systems, like powered attic fans, do the same job but at a higher cost—and they have a higher potential for failure and repair. Each option has its benefits, and the right combination of systems can ensure maximum roof performance and longevity.
In Summerlin, where the roofing problems are compounded by the desert climate, a proper ventilation system is as necessary as the roof itself. Once a roof is on a house, it can shade the interior and keep it cool. But to do that, the roof must be able to "breathe." The system must be able to intake air, exhaust air, and not allow harmful moisture to enter or accumulate anywhere in the assembly of ceiling, roof deck, insulating materials, and exterior roofing. And moisture isn't the only thing the system must guard against. If the roof is properly ventilated, no harmful mold or mildew will grow inside the assembly. If it is not vented properly, the roof will be like a sauna, with harmful rot growing somewhere inside the assembly. The really baffling thing is the counterintuitive nature of the desert climate. On the one hand, the intense summer heat demands a cool interior. On the other, the excessive, relentless sunshine serves to dry out and cure a roof assembly in an almost too effective manner.
