Ever wonder why roofs have vents? A roof is supposed to keep things out of your home, like hail, wind, water and moisture. So doesn’t roof ventilation defeat the whole purpose of a roof? No, it doesn’t. In fact, without it your home could develop moisture issues, mold growth, structural damage, and become overall less energy-efficient.
Not sure how that happens? Keep reading to learn more about what attic ventilation is, and if it’s time for your home to get a ventilation check-up. Here’s what you need to know:
What is Attic Ventilation?
Attic ventilation is a balance system between intake and exhaust vents that are designed to let your home breathe, and help protect the exterior from water on the outside. Ventilation supports the flow of air in and out of the attic space. A good ventilation system will have equal intake and exhaust vents, creating optimized airflow that supports heat and moisture management.
Why Is Attic Ventilation Important?
Without ventilation, hot air essentially gathers in your attic with nowhere to go. In the summer, this increases the load on your air conditioner because it’s harder to keep your home stay cool. In the winter, a hot roof will create ice dams that eventually lead to roof leaks and wood rot.
With properly controlled airflow, the hot air that normally gathers will have a way to flow back out so your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard.
Another consequence of a hot attic is excess moisture: When too much moisture builds up, you develop condensation which leads to a range of hazards such as structural damage, mold, indoor odors, and deck deflation as the wood in the roof deck deteriorates and warps. This reduces your roof’s service life.
Attic ventilation will help get these vapors out of your home. Remember, a strong roof is more than just shingles. Protect your home on the outside by starting from the inside.
How Do I Know If My Attic Is Properly Vented?
If you see ice buildup or icicles hanging on the eaves of your roof, your attic isn’t well-ventilated. You can also inspect your attic to see if warm air is being trapped inside. If the air contains moisture, you will be able to see condensation or frost on the attic’s ceiling. You may already have developed leaks.
If you’re not sure, best leave it to a professional to inspect your ventilation for you. Our certified roofers have the technical knowledge to calculate attic ventilation needs based on the slope of the roof and size of the attic. If you need a licensed professional to inspect your roof or attic, contact Phoenix Exteriors today and schedule a free inspection!
Resources:
www.roofingmagazine.com/how-to-achieve-a-balanced-approach-to-ventilation
www.rollex.com/blog/5-tips-for-improving-your-attic-ventilation
www.kelly-roofing.com/5-questions-about-roof-ventilation-answered/
