No matter how good the roofing system of a house may be, there are other factors that homeowners need to know to help make the homes more comfortable. Some of these things are the quality of the roofing materials, proper insulation, a good ventilation system, and a fan. Though the spotlight is almost always on the first three items listed above, the fan plays a significant role in helping make the entire house a wonderful place in which to live while helping prolong the life of the roof.

Overview

An attic fan, sometimes referred to as a "ventilation blower," is an essential machine that is installed in the attic to regulate the heat level by sucking out the hot air. It is usually controlled by a thermostat that turns it on or off; it also has a manual switch so it can be manually switched on or off. There are two types of blowers that are roof mounted and gable mounted. When this equipment is installed, it creates the necessity for installing additional air vents to draw in fresh air from outside.

It is easy to be confused about the difference between a whole house fan and an attic fan. When comparing the two, the former produces a direct cooling effect on the living space of the home, while the later serves to remove hot air from the attic space.

The Roofing System

During the summer months, the temperature in the attic space can rise to as high as 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This very high temperature can actually cause damage to those items that are stored inside the space as well as cause damage to the roofing system. A ventilation system that has been properly installed in this space will ensure that the whole house has effective ventilation.

Having a proper ventilation arrangement can help keep the roofing material cooler. It is a fact that high temperatures from both inside and outside of the house can shorten the lifespan of the shingles. In addition, these high temperatures could possibly cause damage to the wood structures and the insulation. Too much heat will cause the wood rafters to expand which may result in the need for their replacement and could also cause damage to other portions of the roofing structure.

Equipment Type

The two most common types of attic fans are the electric-powered and solar-powered units. The electrical version has a very low level of energy consumption, as it only requires 300 watts for it to run. The solar powered version draws its power from the sun but is less powerful in comparison to the other unit; it also costs more initially, but in the long run can be very cost-effective. Both of these units can be installed on top of the roof or on the gable ends, just like any traditional vent.

Additional Safety

Installing a "firestat" is recommended for added safety. This system is designed to operate the air blower; if it senses an extraordinarily high temperature, it will automatically shut the equipment off, which is necessary in the event of a fire. It is also important that the equipment’s motor is permanently lubricated so it will operate quietly. Plastic usually cracks after a short period of time, so it is recommended that a metal unit be purchased. In addition, a heavy screen should be installed on top of the device to prevent any pests from entering the unit.

This helpful device not only makes the attic space cooler and helps save money on an electricity bill; it saves the roofing system from suffering a shorter service life and a too-early replacement. So make sure the attic fan is running and blow any roofing problems away!