A Guide to Understanding Roofing Ventilation Systems

Dmytro Morokhovets
Jun 19
3 min read

Why Proper Roof Ventilation Is Key to Longevity and Comfort

Most homeowners focus on shingles, tiles, and gutters when thinking about their roof—but one of the most important components is invisible: ventilation. Roofing ventilation systems help regulate airflow in your attic, keeping your home comfortable, your materials dry, and your energy bills under control. In Santa Monica, CA, where coastal moisture and sunny days collide, the right ventilation system can mean the difference between a roof that lasts decades and one that fails prematurely.

At Economy Roofing, we take roof ventilation seriously and design systems that support both performance and durability.

What Is a Roofing Ventilation System?

How It Works

A roofing ventilation system creates a continuous flow of air through the attic space. This is typically achieved through a combination of intake vents (placed along the eaves or soffits) and exhaust vents (usually installed at the ridge or gables). Together, they promote passive air circulation that moves warm, moist air out and brings cooler, dry air in.

This airflow reduces heat buildup, controls moisture, and supports the long-term health of the roofing system and attic insulation.

Key Benefits of Roofing Ventilation

Temperature Regulation

Without ventilation, attic temperatures can soar on sunny days, reaching over 150°F. This excess heat radiates downward, increasing the strain on your air conditioning and raising your utility costs. A ventilated roof helps keep attic temperatures closer to the outside air, which reduces indoor heat transfer.

Moisture Control

Warm air from daily activities like cooking, bathing, and laundry naturally rises and can enter the attic. If not properly vented, this moisture condenses on cool surfaces—leading to wood rot, mold growth, and damaged insulation. Proper ventilation keeps air moving and helps avoid this dangerous buildup.

Extended Roof Lifespan

Overheated or moisture-saturated attics can cause shingles to blister, adhesives to weaken, and structural wood to degrade. By controlling heat and humidity, a ventilation system extends the lifespan of your roofing materials, even those from premium manufacturers like Malarkey and Owens Corning.

Common Types of Roofing Vents

Ridge Vents

Installed at the roof’s peak, these allow warm air to escape naturally. When paired with soffit vents, ridge vents form one of the most effective passive systems available.

Soffit Vents

Positioned beneath the eaves, soffit vents enable cool air to flow into the attic. They play a crucial role in supporting ridge or gable vents by helping establish a pressure-driven ventilation cycle.

Gable Vents

Mounted on the exterior wall at the roof’s peak, gable vents offer exhaust capabilities. While effective, they work best when supplemented with other venting methods to avoid uneven airflow.

Powered Attic Fans

These electrically powered units actively pull hot air out of the attic. While effective in some scenarios, they must be carefully installed to avoid drawing conditioned air from your home interior, which could increase energy use.

How to Know If Your Ventilation System Is Working

Warning Signs of Poor Ventilation:

Uneven roof temperatures and early shingle failure
High attic temperatures
Condensation or frost in the attic
Moldy or damp insulation
Unusual spikes in heating or cooling costs

If you’ve noticed any of these issues, it’s time to have a ventilation assessment by a licensed roofing professional.

Designing the Right System for Your Home

No One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Each home has unique ventilation needs based on roof pitch, attic size, local climate, and roof design. At Economy Roofing, we evaluate all of these variables before recommending a solution. We often install full-system solutions from brands like Owens Corning that ensure compatibility between ventilation, insulation, and shingles.

Whether you're installing a new roof or updating your current system in Santa Monica, CA, our team ensures that airflow is balanced and your roofing system performs at its peak year-round.

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