Your roof can become damaged when hot air from your attic isn’t sufficiently ventilated, and expensive repairs can result. Many people don’t understand the importance of attic ventilation, and how much damage it can cause to roofing materials. When attic temperatures rise in the summer to 150° or higher, it can lead to damaged shingles, a buildup of condensation, and unhealthy mold and mildew growth.
When your attic is not properly ventilated, the second floor of your home can be up to 10° hotter than your home’s first floor. Poor ventilation problems have significant consequences that can cost you time and money. They cause an increase in your overall energy costs and create significant damage both inside and outside your home. Christian Brothers Roofing is here to help!
The Importance of Proper Attic Ventilation
You can significantly cut heating and cooling costs and lengthen shingle life by paying attention to your attic’s ventilation. Good attic ventilation helps reduce heat buildup and saves you money. Poor ventilation can cause many issues that can damage your home.
Problems Caused By Poor Roof Ventilation
1. Moisture buildup
During cold winter months, trouble with excessive moisture can build up under your roof due to poor ventilation.
2. Uncomfortable indoor temperatures
When poor ventilation causes hot air to build up in your attic, it can flow into your living space, making your home uncomfortably warm. When hot air builds up in your attic during the summer, its temperature can climb to over 150°. The hot air then passes through your attic floor into your home. The result of this is increased energy bills, an overworked air conditioning system, and an uncomfortable indoor atmosphere in your home.
3. Peeling paint
When too much moisture is trapped in your home, it can cause your paint to peel or blister. This can happen with both indoor and outdoor paint.
4. Damage to Shingles & Roofing Materials
Too much moisture in your attic can cause a lot of damage to your roof. Rust may form on your roof nails and venting duct straps. Unsightly mold, algae, or fungus may appear on your roofing materials. Your roof can start to decay due to moisture in your attic.
5. Ice dams
Attic ventilation systems should bring attic temperatures as close as possible to outdoor air temperatures. In the wintertime, cool air enters the attic through intake vents above the eaves and helps prevent ice damming. Ice dams develop when snow melts and then refreezes at your roof’s edges. This refreezing is due to the buildup of heat in your attic space.
The damage caused by ice dams can be extensive. They may lead to damage in your walls, ceiling, and insulation.
6. Damp attic
When roof ventilation doesn’t work properly, moisture from rising warm air condenses on your rafters. Dampness in your attic is a clear sign you have problems with the roof ventilation.
How to Fix Roof Ventilation Problems
Get a professional roof inspection
Certified roof inspectors do a thorough assessment of your roof’s condition so you have an accurate picture of the repairs you need. Hire a professional roofing company to inspect your roof and make repairs as needed.
Verify airflow into and out of your attic is equally proportionate
Understand that proper ventilation requires intake vents and an exhaust component.
Confirm your insulation is not covering any of your vents
By adding insulation to your home, you can help decrease energy costs and make indoor comfort abound, but be careful not to cover vents with insulation.
Add ventilation if needed
Add a ridge vent along your roof length to ensure proper ventilation and preserve your roof.
Hire a reliable roofer
When homeowners realize they have a problem with roof ventilation systems, it may be time to contact a roofing company they can trust for appropriate roof repairs. While homeowners could fix some of these issues on their own, that often leads to more problems down the road. The sooner homeowners proactively seek solutions to roof ventilation problems, the simpler the solutions.
When homeowners procrastinate contacting a roofing company, damage can cascade into greater problems. When your roof ventilation has problems, if they aren’t fixed it can void your roof’s warranty and create the need for costly repairs or replacement. Ample asphalt roof ventilation is critical to the lifespan and performance of your roof.
When choosing a roofing company, be careful to research the company thoroughly by contacting the BBB, checking Angie’s list, reading online reviews, and asking friends and family for referrals. Be sure the company you hire is licensed and insured. Request up to three references to verify their professionalism and great results. Ask for a written estimate that includes details like pricing, scope of the work, and timeline.
The Christian Brothers Roofing Difference
Protect your Kansas City home with reliable roof repairs. Our expert team has completed thousands of successful residential roofing repairs. We provide considerate service and industry leading products that rebuild confidence in your roof again. We repair asphalt or metal roofing shingles including brands such as GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, and Decra. For churches and businesses, we recommend GAF TPO roofing for a long-lasting roof replacement.
Christian Brothers roofing is the only contractor in Kansas and Missouri to earn GAF’s highest Master Elite Award with the Presidents Club designation for performance, reliability, and service. We provide storm damage roof repair and roof replacement. Learn more about our residential roofing repair and how we can assist you in protecting your home with a reliable, gorgeous roof.
