Roof ventilation—what’s that? We sometimes hear that question from homeowners who are facing damage to their roof. How the air flows through and out of your attic is an essential key to keeping your home safe from leaks and other damage. But it often goes overlooked until it’s too late.
We don’t want that to happen to your home. And neither do you!
That’s why we’ve put together some of the most important things you need to understand about your roof’s ventilation, including how to spot and address issues before they grow worse.
What Happens When Roof Ventilation Goes Wrong
Your roofing system includes a lot more than the visible shingles that give your home its curb appeal. It also depends on what’s built into and underneath it—including the intake and exhaust vents in the roof and throughout the attic. They allow hot, moist air to flow safely up and out of the house.
The movement of air happens through two means:
- Naturally—through doors, windows, and simple vents installed at strategic spots
- Mechanically—through a system powered by fans or other tools to draw air outside the home
You may need one or both of these options to get the right airflow for your home. If these systems are insufficient, broken down, or blocked by insulation or improper installation of roofing materials, you’re likely to have problems.
Why a Well Ventilated Roof Matters So Much
When the airflow through your roof is functioning as it should, you won’t even notice it. That’s because your roof will be doing its job as intended.
But when air is not properly moving out of your house, moisture builds up under your roof and in your attic. As a result of that excess dampness, a host of issues arise that can be damaging to your home. That’s why it’s important to address this issue as soon as you can.
How to Know if Your Roof Isn’t Properly Ventilated
Fortunately for homeowners, there are several common warning signs that your home may not be letting hot air escape through the roof. Keep an eye out for these problems. If you notice them occurring, schedule a consultation with an experienced roofing team like ours to get a thorough inspection.
1. Leaks When It Rains
Any issue with your roof puts you at increased risk of water damage. Moisture buildup can wear down the wood that supports your home, meaning you can end up with rot, rust, and leaks in any number of areas.
2. Mold and Mildew
A damp attic is a prime spot for unhealthy mold and mildew to grow—damaging items stored in your attic, and filtering into your interior rooms, worsening asthma and other respiratory health-related challenges.
3. Unwelcome Pests
Insects, rodents, and other troublesome critters are attracted to spots that offer shelter, food, and water. A poorly ventilated, overly damp attic is therefore quite appealing to pests. These creatures can eat away at your home and do costly damage.
4. Icicles and Ice Dams
In winter, an improperly vented roof traps your heated home air, causing snow atop the roof to melt and refreeze, forming large sheets of ice and icicles. This ice can damage walls, ceilings and insulation, or fall and injure family and friends as they enter and exit the home.
5. Overworked Air-Conditioning
In summer, poor ventilation adds up to a house that stays hotter than normal. Your A/C will kick on a lot more often, driving up utilities. Worse, it can lead your HVAC unit to break down or age prematurely, leaving you sweltering in the heat while you wait in line for costly repairs.
6. Damaged Shingles
When air isn’t flowing and moisture builds up, your entire roofing system simply wears down faster. It may start to look worn sooner than it should, and it may begin to perform more poorly.
7. Peeling Paint
Too much moisture wears away at paint, causing it to peel or blister. You may notice this issue inside your home, on exterior walls, or both.
How to Fix the Airflow in Your Roofing System
Solving your roof’s ventilation problems creates a number of benefits for homeowners:
- Savings on energy bills
- Consistency in home temperature
- Greater comfort indoors
- Healthier air quality
- Longer roof life
- Safer home that gives you peace of mind!
So, if you’re noticing any of the above signs of poor ventilation, contact a trusted roofer for help.
Get a Professional Inspection
Climbing on your roof can be a health hazard—and it can be tough to spot what’s causing your problem. A trained roofer will know exactly what to look for, and do it safely.
Check Airflow Patterns
Sometimes, the issue is intake (bringing air in). Sometimes it’s exhaust (pushing it out). It may even be due to blocked areas that need to be cleared.
Add New Vents or Make Repairs
Your roofer can tell you whether you need more vents or whether you need repaired vents.
Get a Lasting, Low-Maintenance Roof for Your Home
There’s no need to remain stressed or uncertain about your roof’s condition—not when you turn to our capable, caring team at John Mccarter Construction to get the upgrades you need to be confident in your home. Learn more about our roofing replacement and repair options—and know that we’re here to serve you.
