Ventilation is simply the process of supplying a continuous flow of air through the attic space.
If Ventilation analysis and remediation for errors aren’t included in your roofing project, then the quote isn’t complete.
There are clear industry standards regarding ventilation.
The amount of air flow needed for your attic space can be mathematically determined.
This leads to calculating how much soffit you need, of what type, to get the necessary cubic feet per minute of intake air, along with the calculations needed to get the necessary exit venting.
These calculations have NOTHING to do with what may or may not part of your current roof system.
Frequently, all too frequently, no analysis is made of your needed ventilation, nor is your current intake capability calculated.
The assumption is made that intake is fine, and just run Ridge Vent along the ridge, and that will suffice.
Even if a visual examination of the soffit is made to see if the soffit has air inflow capability, no knowledge of the actual capability is present, and no verification that the soffit isn’t blocked is made.
It is a lot of work. Assumptions do not lead to success.
If during the new roofing process, issues are discovered with your soffit or intake ventilation, the crew is already of the mindset to ignore issues, get the shingles on, and get on to the next job. Time is money, and the time spent resolving the issues as a break-fix, wastes time, and the roofing crew makes less money because of the delays.
SURPRISE ISSUES COST YOU MONEY
Your roof is stripped to the wood. Ventilation issues are discovered. Now is a really good time to remediate.
Do you want a rush fix?
Are you ready for the additional expense?
Are you ready to have the roofing crew, which is NOT trained, or especially capable in this area, to remediate?
Most likely, the work will be sub-par, and you won’t be very pleased.
A GOOD PLAN FOR VENTILATION MUST BE PART OF THE PROCESS
So unless the quote and contract cover the ventilation needs, along with a plan that remediates ahead of time, or is hand in hand with a company that is very competent at soffit and / or insulation, you are just headed for trouble.
Proceed carefully, don’t rush, and follow the steps in the article “Items to make SURE, are included in Roofing quote and contract“.