Do Barndominiums Need Roof Ventilation?

Roof ventilation is what allows air to flow throughout the attic space and then it escapes through your roof.  This helps to prevent your roof from overheating and condensation from forming.  If the moisture builds up or the roof overheats, it can lead to health risks or severe damage.

Houses have roof ventilation but do barndominiums need roof ventilation also?  The answer is yes, especially if you have a second floor that is attached to the roof or unheated spaces.  When you are building your barndominium, the contractor will know if you need roof ventilation or not.

This article will cover if a barndominium needs roof ventilation and why you need them.  By the end of the article, you will understand roof ventilation and if it is needed.

Do Barndominiums Need Roof Ventilation?

Yes, barndominiums need roof ventilation in order to keep it cool during the summer and warm in the winter.  A barndominium roof has the largest impact on your heating and cooling of the space.  Hot air rises so you need some type of ventilation system to help keep it cooler. You should never completely seal your barndominium.  You should make sure that you have hot air exhaust vents to help keep your barndominium cool.

Do Barndominiums Need Roof Ventilation

Why do Barndominiums Need Roof Ventilation?

Extend The Life Of The Roof

In the summer, a barndominiums roof ventilation will help cool the underlying water barrier if you have it along with keeping the roof cool.  If you choose not to have a metal roof but use asphalt roofing shingles, it will slow the aging of them.  It can also reduce the expansion of the metal roofing.

In the winter, if the roof is cool, it prevents the snow from melting and refreezing in your gutters, which could create an ice dam.  This could cause water damage and leaks. Roof ventilation helps to prevent this by circulating the coldest air through the vent.

Why do Barndominiums Need Roof Ventilation

Reduce Extreme Indoor Temperature

If you have a second floor and when you are up there, it feels hotter than on the main floor, it is because there is no way for the heat to escape.  When you have roof ventilation, it will let the hot air escape, making the second floor feel much cooler.

Lower Energy Costs

Roof ventilation will let the heat escape so the workload on your air conditioner is reduced.  With your air conditioning not running as much, your utility bills will not be that high.

Control Temperatures And Moisture

If the air cannot get out, it starts to stagnate, which causes moisture to condense and settle on the insulation. This makes it an environment for mold to grow. If you decided to use a wooden framework instead of steel, this could lead to wood rot.  If the insulation gets damp, not only can it grow mold but it will start to clump and lose some of its effectiveness.   If your framework starts to rot, it can lead to a sagging roof, which can start to leak.

How Does Roof Ventilation Work?

It works by providing a continuous flow of air to help remove moisture and overheated air.  It allows the ventilation of the air to take place using the system of exhaust vents and intake vents, which are installed at certain intervals in the roof area.  There can be different types of vents used in different areas to provide the right ventilation.

Conclusion

Do barndominium need roof ventilation? Yes, they do.  This article helps you understand the benefits of having roof ventilation and how it works.  If you are building a barndominium, make sure that roof ventilation is installed.

james
James HallBarndominiums Advisor

I'm James, your barndominiums advisor. Several years ago, I had no idea what barndominiums were. Although I'd spent over 10 years in the construction industry, the first time I heard about barndominiums was when I saw my neighbor building a new-style home. That was the first barndominium I've ever seen, and I found it so fascinating that I wanted to learn more about them.

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