The Importance of Proper Roof Ventilation
Roof ventilation simply means that the air in the area directly underneath the roof, be it an attic or just a crawl space, flows to adjust to the ambient temperature. This flow of air can be achieved either mechanically or naturally—whichever best suits the design of the roof. Why is proper roof ventilation so important? There are three primary reasons why all good roofing companies recommend adequate ventilation, though we are sure you could find even more valid reasons to add to our list.
1. Extends the Lifespan of Your Roof
Beyond accidents, the biggest threat to the projected lifespan of your roof is moisture, with heat at a close second. Adequate ventilation will help prevent the buildup of moist air in the attic and circulate the air for a more controlled temperature. The primary reasons why moisture and heat are bad for a roof:
- Moisture causes mold, rot, and rust, which can considerably weaken the structural integrity of roofing components. There is also a health risk associated with fungus spores.
- Ice damming is a real problem in areas where it snows during the winter. The trapped heat under the roof melts the snow, but as soon as the temperature decreases, the water puddles freeze. We all know that water expands when it freezes, so any small amount of water that seeps between and under shingles will act as a lever, prying the shingles loose.
2. Increases the Energy Efficiency of Your Roof
We’ve probably all considered this aspect of an energy-efficient roof: a hot roof will increase household costs by pushing you to run air conditioners all the time. A ventilated roof acts as an insulating barrier between the outside temperature and the comfortable living space inside. You can achieve the maximum effectiveness of air conditioning by asking roofing companies whether they can use energy-efficient roofing materials suitable for the local climate.
3. Reduces Indoor Temperature Extremes
An unventilated roof often causes indoor temperature extremes, especially in two-story houses. The top rooms can get hot while the ground floor is cold. Sometimes, the temperate extremes are so bad that your head is sweating while your feet are freezing as you stand in an upstairs room. The reason for these “micro-climates” is the runaway heating in the attic, akin to a “greenhouse effect”. Proper ventilation quickly solves the problem, allowing hot air to escape through the exhaust vents near or in the roof.
About DB3 Roofing
We have been assisting homeowners for over 30 years with the proper roof ventilation of their homes and buildings. Our knowledge of different types of roof designs allows us to accurately and scientifically calculate the proper placement of ventilation intakes and outflows for maximum effect. We are also well acquainted with options and styles of ventilation ports, allowing us to install the right choice to enhance the overall appearance of your home or commercial building.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of the vents are priorities that all building owners must place on the same schedule as cleaning the gutters and inspecting for loose shingles or roofing sheets—and we can help.
We can also verify the proper design of the ventilation ports during the biennial roof inspection and check if everything is still within the prescribed building code for continued safety and comfort.
Contact us if you have any questions about proper ventilation for the space underneath your roof, especially if you are experiencing problems with temperature uniformity.
