Are Your Roof Vents Causing Leaks?

It’s no fun to discover that your roof is leaking. And often, it’s hard to determine the source of the leak. Homeowners can usually get a good idea of the location of the leak by observing the water stains on the ceiling below. But calling in a residential roofing contractor in Kansas city who can climb up on the roof to see what’s going on and take care of any roof leak repair that’s needed on a Kansas City home is a better way to go.

Any structure that sticks up from the surface of the roof can be a source of leaks. This includes items like skylights, chimneys, and roof vents. Roof vents that aren’t sealed properly are often a source of water infiltration. Let’s take a look at some of the more common types of roof vents to learn more.

Types of Roof Vents

There are several types of roof vents commonly used in the Kansas City area. This is just a sampling of what’s available. Check with local roofing company in Kansas City to see what they offer.

Box vents. Box vents are often found on residential rooftops. Also known as low-profile or flat vents, box vents are barely noticeable on most roofs. They’re usually made of aluminum or galvanized steel but can also be made of plastic. These vents merely create an opening for hot air and moisture to escape. Because of that, residential roof contractors will need to install several of them to keep the attic dry and cool.

Ridge vents. As the name implies, ridge vents are installed along the length of the horizontal ridge on the roofline. Ridge vents blend in with your roof shingles so that they’re barely noticeable. This is one of the most efficient roof vent systems because airflow is balanced throughout the entire attic space.

Turbine Vents. Turbine vents look like a metal baker’s hat. They’re wind-driven and can move massive amounts of air through the attic with even a light breeze. However, with this system, it’s important to keep the soffit vents clear of the attic insulation so the airflow is equalized. If this doesn’t happen, the turbine will pull conditioned air up from inside the house, which will drive your utility bills up. Most residential roof contractors can advise you on whether this is a good option for your home.

Roof vents are necessary to keep air flowing through the attic. This helps regulate the roof’s surface temperature, which keeps the temperatures in your home more comfortable. This process helps with heating and cooling bills, too. But if your roof vents aren’t sealed properly, they could cause water leaks.

Shamrock Roofing and Construction: The Pros in Residential Roofing

Shamrock Roofing specializes in roof repair and roof replacement on Kansas City homes. Whether the leak is due to an improperly sealed roof vent or to the latest thunderstorm to hit the area, we can take care of it for you. We’re one of the most respected roofing companies in Kansas City. Contact us today to make an appointment.