Why a Ridge Vent Alone Won’t Protect Your Roof: The Need for Smart Ventilation

The Ridge Vent Misconception

During a recent roof inspection in Fair Lawn, NJ - Bergen County, we came across a house with a ridge vent at the peak of the roof. At first glance, this seems like a great feature—it allows hot and humid air to escape, preventing heat buildup and moisture problems in the attic.

However, there was one major issue—this home lacked proper intake ventilation. Without a source of fresh exterior air, the ridge vent was pulling conditioned air from the living space below. This is inefficient and can cause long-term attic and roofing system issues.

Why a Ridge Vent Alone Won’t Work

A ridge vent is only half of a proper attic ventilation system. For it to work correctly, it needs:

✅ Intake vents at the lower part of the roof to bring in cool exterior air (i.e. Soffits or Smart Vent)
✅ Exhaust vents (like a ridge vent) to allow hot, humid air to escape.

Without an intake system, air from the home’s interior—heated or cooled by your HVAC system—gets drawn into the attic, which:

❌ Wastes energy, driving up heating and cooling costs.
❌ Increases humidity in the attic, leading to mold and mildew.
❌ Shortens the lifespan of the roofing system due to excessive heat buildup.

The Solution: Installing a Smart Vent for Proper Intake Airflow

To correct this issue, Mattsson Roofing will install a Smart Vent—a modern eave intake vent designed to allow fresh exterior air into the attic.

How We Fix the Problem:

1️⃣ Cut a 1-inch slit in the lowest part of the roof decking.
2️⃣ Install the Smart Vent, allowing fresh air to enter.
3️⃣ Ensure air circulation, where exterior air flows from the Smart Vent up through the attic and out the ridge vent.

With this system in place, the attic temperature will match outdoor conditions, preventing energy loss and improving the longevity of the roofing system.

Benefits of Installing a Smart Vent on Your Roof

Installing an eave intake vent alongside a ridge vent ensures optimal attic ventilation. This setup:

✅ Reduces energy loss, saving homeowners money on heating and cooling.
✅ Prevents excess attic moisture, reducing the risk of mold and mildew.
✅ Extends the life of your roof, preventing premature shingle deterioration.
✅ Improves indoor air quality, as conditioned air stays in the home instead of escaping into the attic.

Are You Experiencing Attic Ventilation Problems in Bergen County?

If you suspect your ridge vent isn’t working efficiently, or if you're experiencing high energy bills, moisture buildup, or excessive attic heat, Mattsson Roofing can help.

We specialize in attic ventilation solutions, roof repairs, and full roofing system installations in Bergen County.

📞 Call us today at 201.925.9709 or CLICK HERE to schedule an inspection!