Owning a house makes you realize the significance of ventilation. Improper ventilation in the bathroom can lead to an incessant war with mold and mildew. If your kitchen has insufficient ventilation, the smell of food may remain for days. And if you don’t provide proper vents on the roof, you’ll face several problems, both outside and inside the house. Fortunately, an experienced contractor can fix ventilation issues easily.
If you notice that your house is hotter in the summer and much colder in the winter than expected, or if you go to the attic, only to face an unexpected gush of hot air, then maybe your roof doesn’t have proper ventilation.
Roof ventilation is one of the most critical aspects of keeping your house and loved ones healthy. Unfortunately, problems related to ventilation can prove to be subtle and can develop without your knowledge, surprising you with hefty repair costs.
Why roof ventilation?
Roof ventilation doesn’t only affect your roof, but also your home’s cooling and heating system and the electricity bill. It provides continuous airflow through the attic and helps to remove moisture and overheated air, reducing the aftermath of altering temperatures and moisture formation inside the house.
Proper ventilation releases any heat gathered in the attic during the winter season. Excessive heat present inside your house can melt the snow accumulated on the roof faster and can lead to the formation of ice dams, which isn’t good for your house.
During the summer season, bad roof ventilation often leads to the trapping of heat inside the attic, affecting cooling systems and reducing the energy efficiency of your house.
A good roof ventilation system releases unnecessary heat present in the attic and protects your roof and air conditioning systems.
Sometimes moisture buildup can cause the formation of mold and mildew, causing significant damage to the interior of the attic and substructure of the roof. Nails can rust and even break, and the roof deck can rot. The roof ventilation system allows the moisture and heat to escape, hence reducing the possibilities of such disastrous issues.
Problems caused by poor roof ventilation
Ordinary chores like doing the laundry, cooking, or taking a shower could lead to the formation of moisture and heat inside the house unless a proper ventilation system is present. The accumulated heat and moisture could lead to the following issues:
1. Mildew and mold. A humid environment and the resulting condensation can lead to the formation of mold and mildew. It leads to the decomposition of items in the attic and can also cause severe health issues.
2. Ice dams. They prevent the accumulated snow from falling off the roof and stop the water from the melted snow from flowing down. This water gets accumulated under the shingles which leads to its infiltration inside your house, causing significant damage to the drywall and paint. Also, the ice hanging on the gutters is heavy and may damage the gutters and lead to poor drainage too.
3. Rusting. The moisture and humidity will also collect on metal pipes and nails, leading to the formation of rust. This, in turn, can lead to the failure of venting and plumbing straps.
4. Sagging of the deck. The presence of moisture in the air will ultimately lead to its absorption into roof decks, dissolving the adhesives, spoiling its shape, and making it feel soggy to walk on. This presents a grave threat to anyone who walks on it.
5. Hot and cold spots. Inadequate ventilation can lead to distinguishable changes between different rooms in the same house. Some rooms might feel warm, while others might feel cooler. This can lead to increased electricity expenses.
6. Roof system disintegration. Excess moisture and heat can spoil the shingles and undergirded material which gives support to the attic. The untimely loss of grains or cracking roofing slates indicate inadequate ventilation.
Maintaining roof ventilation systems
You should examine your roof along with the ventilation system every few years. Look for weather abrasion like cracks, absent tiles, and loose or ruptured vents. Also, look for anything that can block the vent like leaves and debris. Check inside the attic for any kind of damage caused by moisture or heat.
The attic insulation is one of the most crucial aspects of your house. Keep that in check for any variations in temperatures around the house. You also need to insulate your house properly to be safe from the temperature outside, so check the proper placement and order of the vents across the roof.
You can obtain the help of roofing companies to resolve any problem related to vents and roofs. Performing a proper check on the roofs can lead to a long-lasting, well insulated, and healthy home for you and your family.