GAF Roof Vents & Attic Ventilation

Poor Attic Ventilation Can Ruin Your Insulation, Destroy Your Shingles, And Raise Your Energy Bills!

Proper attic ventilation systems allow a continual flow of outside air through the attic, protecting the efficiency of the insulation and helping to lower temperatures in the living space.

It consists of a balance between air intake (at your eaves or soffits) and air exhaust (at or near your roof ridge).

The FHA (Federal Housing Administration) recommends a minimum of at least 1 square foot of attic ventilation (both intake and exhaust) for every 300 square feet of attic space. For example, if your attic is 900 square feet, you need a total of 3 square feet of ventilation. This amount should be divided equally between intake and exhaust ventilation (i.e., 1 1/2 feet of each) to insure proper air flow through the attic. To calculate the amount of ventilation you need for your home, visit GAF's Ventilation Calculator.

It is estimated that 9 out of 10 homes in North America do not have proper attic ventilation. Why? Because most people are unaware that attic ventilation can impact the longevity of their entire home!

For example, in the summer, improper ventilation can cause attic heat to build in excess of 160°F. This super-heated air eventually penetrates the ceiling insulation into the living area below.

• Premature aging of your roofing system ("fried" shingles)
• Warping, cracking, or breaking down of wood framing
• Damage to siding, exterior or interior paint, and wallpaper

A properly ventilated attic can help reduce the load on your air conditioner by moving the super-heated air out of your attic before it builds up and causes damage.

In the winter, various household appliances, bathtubs, showers, and cooking vapors can contribute to excess moisture build-up. Improperly ventilated attics will allow this moisture to collect and cling to the underside of the roof. The moisture will condense and fall, soaking the attic insulation and reducing its efficiency.

• Roof deck warping and rotting of the wood frame
• Mildew growth
• Buckling of shingles and felt

Finally, attics should be properly ventilated to help prevent ice dams in cold northern climates. During the winter, ice and snow on a roof will melt and run down the deck to the cooler eaves. This run-off can re-freeze, creating an ice dam that may force water back up under the shingles and leak into your home — causing hundreds or thousands of dollars of damage to your ceilings and walls. Adequate attic ventilation reduces the amount of initial melting that occurs on your roof, thereby reducing the chance that ice dams will form.

Cobra^® Vents

Cobra® Ridge Vent (Exhaust) The original Cobra® Ridge Vent — protects over 2 million homes!	Cobra® Rigid Vent 3™ (Exhaust) Premium rigid-style vent — available in warmer climates. Includes 3" ring shank nails for easy installation.	Cobra® Ridge Runner™ (Exhaust) The performance of a baffled rigid vent... with the ease of a roll!
Cobra® Snow Country™ (Exhaust) Quality rigid-style vent. Snow Guard™ filter helps resist snow infiltration. Available in colder climates.	Cobra® Snow Country Advanced™ (Exhaust) Premium quality rigid-style vent. Snow Guard™ filter helps resist snow infiltration. Includes 3" ring shank nails for easy installation. Available in colder climates.	Cobra® Fascia Vent (Intake) Allows you to add attic intake ventilation when you have no soffits.
Cobra® FasciaFlow Vent (Intake) Allows you to add attic intake ventilation when you have no soffits.

Master Flow® Roof Louvers (Exhaust) For those who prefer roof louvers or where existing louvers are being replaced.	Master Flow® Green Machine™ Solar-Powered Roof Vent (Exhaust) Removes damaging heat and moisture from your attic... without the need for an electrical connection.	Master Flow® Power Roof Ventilators (Exhaust) Master Flow® Power Ventilators (roof or gable mount) are your best overall investment in attic ventilation.
Master Flow® Power Gable Ventilators (Exhaust) Gable-mount attic ventilators are the easiest power vent to install.	Master Flow® Rotary Turbine Vents (Exhaust) Deluxe turbines are designed with upper and lower stainless steel ball-bearing systems for years of trouble-free operation.	Master Flow® Green Machine™ Dual-Powered Vent (Exhaust) Removes damaging heat and moisture from your attic whether the sun is out or not!
Master Flow® Green Machine™ Solar Powered Ridge Vent Provide increased airflow over typical ridge vents, turbines, and roof louvers to help reduce hot or moist air in your attic.	Master Flow® Soffit/Undereave Vents (Intake) Perfect for houses with insufficient soffit ventilation.	Master Flow® Green Machine™ Solar-Powered Intake Booster™ Vent (Intake) Perfect... for houses with insufficient soffit ventilation.  Installs without an electrical connection.
Master Flow® Gable Louver (Intake or Exhaust) Designed for flush or recessed installation.	Master Flow® Foundation Vents Remove damaging moisture – help prevent structural decay and mold growth.	Master Flow® Whole House Fans Smart energy savers for any climate where air conditioning costs are a concern.
Master Flow® Chimney / Roof Caps & Other Accessories Press sealed design for maximum leak protection.	Master Flow® Safety Caps for Chimneys Provide protection against dangerous sparks while reducing downdrafts, clogging, soot, and creosote build-up.