Although insulation is a top priority for the majority of homeowners, proper roof ventilation is key to keep your roofing system in top condition. Even the best insulation won’t work as productively as it should without a proper roof venting system.
What is roof venting?
The main purpose of roof venting is to keep your attic dry during the chilly winter months and cold in the hot summer. Roof venting allows for natural airflow. Roof venting is a major component for the exit of hot and stale air, providing the main way out. Proper air circulation in your home is popularly known to make your living space a far more comfortable area.
Protect your Home’s Roof
The two most common ways proper roof venation contributes to the protection of your home is:
- Intake Vents bring in cool, fresh air into your attic.
- Roof Ventilation frees the hot, muggy air from the exhaust point of your home’s system.
What are the benefits of roof ventilation?
Lower your Utility Bills
Is your A/C is working harder than it needs to? Are you noticing your utility bill rising during the summer heat? Consider checking in on your roof ventilation system. When the hot sun heats your home in the summer months, stagnant hot air may be building up under the roof in your attic. This happens when there is no air circulation.
When hot air is trapped in the attic, the heat is known to seeping through your ceilings and into your living area. This will make your air conditioner much harder than it should be and consuming more energy. Keep your utility bills lower this summer. Contact our roof ventilation experts today for more information.
Lengthen the Lifespan of Your Roof
If your attic is overheated due to a poor venation system, both the interior and exterior surfaces of your roof will be heated, causing the underlayment of your roof’s shingles to dry out. The common life span for a shingled roof is known to last for around 15-25 years with proper care and maintenance. When your roof’s shingles dry out, they are going to crack much quicker than usual, lasting a shorter lifetime. Nobody wants to pay for excessive amounts of expensive roof repairs when the root of the problem can be solved simply.
Moisture Damage Prevention
The last thing anyone wants to deal with is the problems mold and moisture bring to your home. Many homeowners have seen the issue of condensation when warm air rises from the home’s interior colliding with cold surfaces, commonly in the winter. Moisture build-up is spotted quite frequently through incorrectly ventilated attic spaces. This results in:
- Mold
- Moisture stained ceilings
- Structural Damage
If these problems have not been addressed in time, they could lead to expensive repairs or a roof replacement.
Ice Dams
Although icicles are a charming sight to see in the chilly winter wonderland but reality, they are harming your home. Icicles hanging along the edges of the roof are an indication of ice damming. Ice dams are frequently associated with an inadequately ventilated attic. If your attic becomes too warm during winter or preserves hot air rising from below, your roof will warm up, causing the snow on the exterior to melt. The water resulting from the roof warming will stream down to the edge of your roof and gutter system.
These areas of the roof are comparably colder causing the water to refreeze and build upon the edge. As the cycle is repeated with each new snowfall, this water will seep under the eaves and risk seeping into the attic. Our team witness this cycle happen every winter season in Utah and have seen the outcome of unkept roofing ventilation. Don’t let ice dams damage your roof any longer. Call us today for proper care and prevention.
How can I tell if my roof has proper ventilation?
There are a few steps you can take to inspect your roof of ventilation.
First, ask yourself this question.
- Do I have an attic vent on the roof or in the eaves?
If you answered no, we highly recommend adding some to your home. This is the main factor for ventilation.
Next, conduct these steps:
- On a warm sunny day, touch your ceiling. If the surface is hot, that indicated excessive heat in your attic. Your attic is a solar oven, raising your cooling bills.
- On a cold winter day, look for solid ridges of ice on your eaves or ice damming. If any signs of solid ice are present, consider professional ice dam removal and continue with an update of your ventilation.
- In the winter, inspect your attic for frost or condensation. If you find any signs of moisture, it is clear evidence that your roof needs attic vents.
Mold, ice dams, and pricey utility bills are easily preventable. Sufficient roof venation can save you money throughout each of the four seasons Utah presents us with, extending the roof life expectancy. We understand the importance of comfort in your home. The correct roof ventilation can ensure the comfort of your home for each individual. There is no better time than to start today. Contact our roof ventilation experts today for more information.