Poor attic ventilation can ruin your insulation, destroy your shingles, and raise your energy bills!
Typical household activities can wreak havoc on a roof and attic if proper roof ventilation is not provided:
- In the summer, heat build-up encourages the premature aging and cracking of wood and other roofing materials. Unwanted heat can also transfer back down into living areas - which reduces energy efficiency.
- In cold weather, warm air generated by laundry, showers, dish washing and cooking can linger in the house and cause moisture build up.
More specifically, in the winter, various household appliances, bathtubs, showers, and cooking vapors can contribute to excess moisture build-up. Improperly ventilated attics will allow this moisture to collect and cling to the underside of the roof. The moisture will condense and fall, soaking the attic insulation and reducing its efficiency. In the summer, improper ventilation can cause attic heat to build in excess of 160F. This super-heated air eventually penetrates the ceiling insulation into the living area below. A properly ventilated attic can help reduce the load on your air conditioner by moving the super-heated air out of your attic before it builds up and causes damage. Ultimately, proper ventilation - along with attic insulation - helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside a home, increase energy efficiency, prevent moisture damage and contribute to the longevity of a roof.
The only way to combat these problems is with a balanced ventilation system. That means it's important to have proper ventilation, plus the appropriate amount of attic insulation to maximize performance. In a balanced system, wind blowing over the ridge creates negative pressure that draws the warmer are out of the attic. Replacement air then enters through the under-eave or soffit vents, bathes the underside of the roof, and exits at the ridge cap (ridge vent), roof or gable vents. Even without the wind, the natural convection action of rising warm air maintains a continuous air flow along the underside of the roof.
In summary...
Proper ventilation ensures a healthier, more durable roof!! So when you get that new roof installed, check out your ventilation to protect it.
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