You never Knew Why Roof Ventilation Is Important

Ventilation of roof is one of those concepts that a homeowner hears about, but may not fully understand how important it is. Good ventilation is critical for prolonging your roof's longevity. If you want to know why roof ventilation is important, you need to understand what happens when you do not have decent air movement.

Problems Caused by Inadequate Ventilation

Many homeowners do not understand the problems that inadequate roof ventilation can cause. They are often expensive and can cause health problems if not addressed. The built-up heat and moisture levels can lead to the following problems and many more. Here is why roof ventilation is important:

Shorten roofing system life - Roofing materials and underlayment can deteriorate with the heat and moisture below.

Sagging or soft decking - Moisture build-up along the underside of the roof can cause the deck to sag or fail.

Rust spread - When moisture builds up, metal surfaces like nails, truss plates, and hangers can begin to rust and deteriorate.

Stress on air conditioning - The heat of the attic can cause cold air in the vents to warm up. This will keep the A/C running all the time.

Frost and condensation build-up - In cold climates, moisture in the attic can cause frost to settle on the underside of the roof. In the summer, this same moisture can condense and cause water staining on the ceiling.

Mold/mildew growth - Moist, warn conditions are perfect for mold and mildew growth. Thus, mould removal is also necessary apart from maintaining proper ventilation.

Tell-Tale Signs of Inadequate Roof Ventilation

There are some signs you may notice that tell you that you need to get a roofer in to handle venting problems.

The air conditioner is running non-stop even on mild summer days. When heat builds up in the attic, it can cause the air in the air conditioning vents to heat up. 

Curled roofing shingles appear only a few years after installation. Asphalt shingles should last 10 to 20 years or more. If you start seeing curling shingles, it might be a sign that the heat below is deteriorating the shingles prematurely.