Q&A – Do I Need Gable Vents to Improve my Air Conditioning Function?

Despite having a new roof and siding installed in the last few years, this Pennsylvania homeowner is struggling to keep upstairs cool with her new air conditioning unit and turned to the experts for advice. 

Lyn, a homeowner in Pennsylvania who continues to battle the weather on her second floor, asked the following: 

Do I need gable vents if I have a top vent? The house was built in the mid 70s and upstairs is always hot in summer and cold in winter. New siding and roof were installed three years ago. A new AC unit was installed this month and we were told we needed side vents if the upstairs is to be cooler. Getting mixed advice. 

Our roofing expert, Marty Stout with Go Roof Tune Up™, had this to say in response:    

You need PROPER VENTING. 

Your attic needs to breathe in cool air from the lower sections of the roof (eave) and exhaust the hot air at the top (ridge, gable). Adding venting at the upper section of the attic will not help properly ventilate the attic unless it is along with adding the amount of venting to the lower section. 

Most venting professionals recommend a 50 percent upper and 50 percent lower mix with a total net free air space of at least 1 square inch to 300 square inches. Some building departments require 1/150. But always 50 percent exhaust, 50 percent intake.

Many companies that make attic ventilation products have very helpful calculators on their website. 

Continue the conversation in our Forum!  

Have a question? AskARoofer.    

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory. 

About Go Roof Tune Up™  

Go Roof Tune Up™ is the premier provider of roofing services including repair, maintenance and replacement. We currently offer services in a number of states and the list is growing regularly. We work with homeowners, real estate professionals, property managers and home investors. Because of our extensive roof repair experience, Go Roof Tune Up™ can confidently offer you an exclusive 5 years no Leaks Limited Warranty- on your ENTIRE ROOF!  

Go Roof Tune Up™ is comprised of certified roofing professionals and expert craftsmen with a senior management team of a combined 140 years of roofing experience. With this experience and continuing education for all team members we are convinced that roof maintenance is the best way to ensure the longevity of a roof and that by far most roofs can be repaired rather than replaced.