5 Reasons Why Proper Roof Ventilation is Important
When you think about your home, roof ventilation probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.
But if you are a homeowner, you should definitely learn about it. Because if you don’t, you could risk missing some of the signs that your roof ventilation is failing – leading to rotten decking, interior water damage, and mold in your attic space.
Mold? In the attic? That sounds uncomfortable. Luckily, it’s completely avoidable with proper ventilation.
Rescue My Roof has served the greater Milwaukee area for over a decade – replacing and repairing hundreds of roofs that have been damaged due to poor ventilation.
Regardless of whether or not we are the right roofing contractor for you, we want to provide the education that will save you from the same nightmare many of our clients face.
In this article, we will be tackling why proper roof ventilation is so important. By the end, you will be able to use this list to avoid future problems with the ventilation on your roof and identify any problem areas.
The Top Reasons Why Roof Ventilation is Essential
Ventilation on your roof is designed so that hot, humid air does not get trapped in your attic space. Intake and exhaust vents allow air to circulate through your attic, keeping everything dry and your roof at an even temperature.
When you don’t have enough intake or exhaust vents or have insulation blocking the vents you do have, it can be a recipe for disaster.
Here are five reasons why roof ventilation is so important:
1. Without Adequate Roof Ventilation, Mold or Mildew Will Grow in the Attic Space
One of the biggest (and most serious) issues you can encounter without proper roof ventilation is mold and mildew growing in your attic space.
Not only does it pose health issues for you and your family, but it can also be an unsightly disturbance in your attic space.
Mold and mildew can be taken care of by professionals who will spray mold killer in your attic and replace any wooden boards that are too severely damaged.
However, the best thing to do in this case is to take preventative measures to stop this problem before it exists.
When you have enough ventilation in your attic, the air will circulate so that the hot, humid air that creates the perfect environment for mold to grow won’t get trapped in your attic.
Having enough intake and exhaust vents to keep your space cool and dry is the most effective measure you can take to keep mold and mildew from taking up residence in your attic.
When you call a roofing professional for an estimate, make sure they inspect the attic space. They will be able to spot any signs of poor ventilation and will fix them properly.
2. Poor Roof Ventilation Increases the Risks of Ice Dams
Ice dams are always a possibility in the winter. But if you have ventilation issues, you are more likely to be plagued by ice dams.
Roof ventilation keeps the air circulating through your attic, therefore keeping your roof a consistent temperature throughout.
When there isn’t enough ventilation, hot air gets trapped at the top of your attics. This warms the top portion of your roof, where the ice and snow melts and keeps the base of your roof cold.
As a result, it will make it easier for the water to freeze at the base of the roof, increasing the potential for ice dams.
If you have enough intake and exhaust vents to ventilate your roof correctly, you may still experience ice dams, but their impact and size should be less severe.
If you experience a ton of ice damming issues in the winter, your ventilation may be to blame. Call a professional to inspect your ventilation and potentially add more intake or exhaust vents to solve the issue.
3. Poor Ventilation Can Cause Extreme Temperatures in Your Home
Have you ever noticed that some areas of your house are extremely cold or warm? In horror movies, this typically means that a ghost is nearby. In reality, this probably means that your ventilation is not adequate for the size of your home.
Having enough roof ventilation is essential in keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You will have enough air circulation that you won’t experience random areas where it feels like the temperature has suddenly plummeted.
Proper ventilation is necessary to keep your home at just the right temperature. If you are struggling with heating and cooling, your ventilation may be the right place to start searching for problems.
4. Roof Ventilation Helps Prevent Water Damage To Your Roof
Remember when we discussed mold and mildew? And how hot, humid air creates the perfect environment for mold?
That’s not the only issue humid air brings. Humid air is moist, and when it’s trapped in your attic for too long, it can begin to wreak havoc.
The moisture can begin to rot or delaminate the wooden decking on your roof, which will ultimately lead to costly repairs.
Additionally, because poor ventilation increases the risks of ice dams, your roof can be damaged by the shingles the ice dams pried up. This makes it more likely for water to find its way into your home, damaging the wooden decking once again.
Preventative measures are the best way to avoid future issues like mold, ice dams, and water damage. If you notice the warning signs of poor ventilation, call in a professional to see if additional ventilation can be added.
5. Inadequate Ventilation Can Lead to Higher Energy Bills
Not only can poor ventilation cause costly repairs, but you will also be spending more money on your energy bills.
Ventilation helps to keep your home warm or cool when you need it most. When your ventilation is not up to par, you could be spending a lot more money trying to keep your home at a livable temperature.
Why risk losing extra cash on energy bills? Call a professional for an inspection to ensure your ventilation is running at the level it needs to be.
Remedies for Poor Roof Ventilation
Now that you know the potential risks of poor ventilation, it’s time to check up on your roof to see how it’s holding up.
Why risk dealing with ice dams, high energy bills, inefficient heating and cooling, and more? Call a local roofing contractor to perform an inspection and give you an estimate.
Many roofing contractors offer free estimates, so take advantage of it today to make sure your ventilation isn’t stirring up trouble on your roof.
Continue your roofing education today with “What to Expect at Your Roof Estimation Appointment” and “9 Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring A Roofing Contractor.”
If you live in the greater Milwaukee area, Rescue My Roof can perform this service for you! Contact us today to book your free estimate appointment, and we will make sure your roof and ventilation are in good shape.