Prevent damage to your Massachusetts home with proper roof venting

The recent focus on ice dams in Central Massachusetts should have you thinking about the importance of proper attic ventilation. Roof and soffit vents not only help prevent ice dams by keeping the roof surface cold and minimizing snow melt but also help prevent moisture problems, mold and other issues in your attic.

For roof venting, LJ Construction follows standard Massachusetts building code, which calls for 1 square foot of free ventilation area for every 300 square feet of attic floor area. This is divided equally between soffit vents (intake) and roof vents (exhaust), allowing for free flow of outside air through your attic. So, for example, if you have a 1200 square foot attic space, you would need at least 2 square feet of roof vent openings and 2 square feet of soffit venting. Numerous options and styles are available for venting. Soffit vents can range from louvers or grates to continuous strips of perforated vent, depending on your soffit style. Roof vents can consist of individual square vents, a continuous ridge cap vent or even vertical ridge vents along gable walls. LJ Construction can discuss your options to find a venting system that works for your Greater Worcester area home’s style.

Proper roof ventilation also helps with hot weather issues. Good air flow helps release the hot air that builds up in your attic on warm days, reducing cooling costs for your living space. Also, decreased attic temperature can help extend the life of your roofing materials, which may deteriorate faster under extreme heat.

For questions about your Greater Worcester home’s roof venting system, contact LJ Construction for a free inspection and estimate.