Although not usually recognized as a major design consideration, the proper ventilation of the attic area is an essential factor in gaining the maximum service life out of the building materials used in the roof assembly, in addition to improving heating and cooling costs. Overlooking this consideration may result in premature failure of the roofing system, including:
In recent times, energy conservation measures have produced a situation where heat and moisture move into the attic and may be retained there. Improved insulation and better weather-stripping are the two major factors bringing about this effect.
To correct this problem, one needs to provide proper ventilation to ensure free and unobstructed air movement beneath the roof surface.
The National Building Code (Section 9.19) requires that all roof and attic spaces above an insulated ceiling shall be ventilated with openings areas to the exterior of not less than 1 sq ft/300 sq ft of insulated ceiling area. For low slope roofs or those with cathedral ceilings, the ratio is 1 sq ft/150 sq ft. The vents shall be uniformly distributed on opposite sides of the building, in such a way that approximately 50% are near the lower part of the roof (inflow) and approximately 50% near the ridge (outflow).
Vent manufacturers should be consulted on the proper use of their products.
Please also refer to CASMA Technical Bulletin no. 2, which addresses the special concerns relating to low slope and cathedral ceilings, and CASMA Technical Bulletin no. 10 for information on how ventilation helps prevent ice dam formation.
The information contained in this bulletin is for general education and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified contractor or direction on usage/installation from the manufacturer. Consumers should be aware of the safety hazards associated with work on roofs and, before doing so themselves, should consider following CASMA s advice of using qualified contractors. This bulletin may be reproduced with permission on condition that it be reproduced in whole, unedited, with attribution of copyright to CASMA.
CANADIAN ASPHALT SHINGLE MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIATION (CASMA) is a corporation which was created on July 24, 1989 pursuant to the Canadian Corporation Act and continued under section 211 of the Canadian "not-for-profit" Corporation Act on October 12, 2012.
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