Apart from keeping the interior of the building dry and protected from the elements, a well-constructed roof also serves as an insulating barrier against fluctuation or extreme outside temperatures. However, if your roof’s ventilation is substandard, it will often have the opposite, detrimental effect. Let’s consider the signs of poor ventilation in the house and how to improve attic ventilation for the ideal building health.
The Signs of Poor Ventilation in Your House
If your home has a hot, stuffy, damp attic, it’s likely insufficiently ventilated. However, if the interior condition of the attic is the same as the weather outside, it’s probably “over-ventilated,” or there’s damage to the roof. Either case is the domain of a roofing expert, who will use their knowledge to determine the most appropriate solution for your roof and prevent further problems and damage.
Still, there are also secondary signs that indicate improper roof ventilation. Measurements prove that where roof ventilation is absent, the temperature below the roof can quickly reach a sustained day-time temperature of 150°F and higher during the summer. This scenario will either result in excessive drying of the roof structure or create overly damp conditions favorable for mold growth.
If you notice warped shingles on your roof, it indicates that the exterior surface temperature differs considerably from the interior. It causes the surfaces of the shingles to expand and contract at different rates, popping loose from the retaining nails. Moisture buildup on the inside will have the same effect, and poor ventilation also causes it.
How to Improve Attic Ventilation
Nowadays, it is common practice to include proper ventilation in roofing design, using industry best practices for your choice of design and materials. Perhaps your roof was built before modern ventilation strategies became the norm, or maybe something has gone wrong with your ventilation system. Nonetheless, we can help.
We encourage home- and building owners to regularly inspect the installed vents to ensure ultimate airflow throughout the attic and dedicated ventilation spaces in the roof. We have found that the lack of routine maintenance is often the cause of improper ventilation, which results in significant damage to the roofing materials.
The roof ventilation expert will calculate and measure the in- and outflow of air, which must be equal. The correct placement and size of the vents are critical, working towards a general rule of thumb of 1 sq. ft of vents for every 150 sq. ft of floor space. The objective is a constant, low-velocity airflow permeating the attic. The careful design will prevent pockets of stale, trapped air where mildew can grow.
Always Use Qualified Roof Vent Contractors
Modern roof designs and materials are designed to last for many years and be exceedingly energy efficient, but often at the cost of an intricate design. Dedicated ventilation shafts above the insulating materials is one example, and it requires qualified and experienced knowledge to understand its operation.
Call DB3 Roofing for Expert Advice and Installation
Searching for “roof vent repair near me” means finding DB3 Roofing. We have been improving attic and under-roof ventilation since 2000 and are approved roof vent contractors in Texas and surrounding states. We know how to improve attic ventilation, even for the most intricate roof designs. We also perform routine inspections and verify that installed systems provide optimal ventilation.
