It doesn’t matter what type of roof you have or what climate you live in, your roof must have a proper roof ventilation system installed or any number of problems may develop.
In addition to city and state building code requirements, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Statutes provide basic guidelines to determine the proper ventilation styles and sizes for any home. These statutes appear in the latest edition of the "Minimum Property Standards".
Before we discuss how a roof ventilation system benefits you and your home, let's first discuss how it works.
Regardless of what type of ventilation system is on your home, they all do the same basic thing – they allow for the stale, heated air from inside the home to be replaced with fresh air from outside your home. The amount of air coming into the home should be equal to or greater than the amount of air leaving the home in order for the ventilation system to work properly.
Why a Roof Ventilation System is Important
An adequate and properly installed ventilation system will protect your roof from premature deterioration by removing heat and moisture from the attic. When a roof ventilation system fails, (meaning the ratio between air intake and exhaust is out of whack), the following problems begin to develop, which will lead to roof damage and costly repairs.
- Shingles, roof structure and paint will begin to deteriorate and warranties on roofing materials will be void
- Mold, mildew and fungus will grow and spread
- Anything metal, (nail heads, duct straps, and plumping straps), will rust and weaken
- Dry rot develops and spreads (fungus develops and rots the wood, weakening the lumber)
- Insulation will not work properly
- The roof deck can warp and deteriorate, causing weak spots in the plywood
- Ice Dams form causing leaks (snow melts and refreezes, building up under the shingles)
All of these problems occur when the attic cannot properly breathe and condensation builds-up. Condensation develops inside the attic from using a dishwasher, taking showers or using the bath tub, washing machine, and clothes dryer. If the attic is well ventilated, the air flow is balanced, condensation will not form, which in turn basically prevents your roof from leaking and rotting, saving you a lot of money in repairs.
A Ventilation System Saves You Money
Aside from not having to pay for costly repairs to your home and roof, a proper roof ventilation system will save you money on your energy bills as well as protect items you have stored in your attic.
When your roof ventilation system is working properly, the following benefits will be realized:
- Outside air will flow naturally upward and out of attic
- You will have a cooler, drier attic
- Moisture is prevented from becoming trapped in insulation, structural wood, shingles and roof deck
- Reduced chance of rotting, mildew, drywall damage, peeling paint and warped siding
- year-round performance for consistent ventilation without energy consumption
During the cooler months, a balanced ventilation system will reduce the chance of mold and mildew forming by lowering humidity levels in the attic, minimizing condensation. Mold and mildew thrive in a moist environment. When the insulation becomes damp from the condensation, it will compact and will be less effective at insulating your home. As a result, your heating system will work harder to compensate for the heat lost through inefficient insulation.
Items that you have stored in your attic will be damaged from an attic that is too hot and/or too humid. When a ventilation system works properly, the attic stays cool and dry, protecting your belongings.
Putting the money into a good ventilation system will save you a lot of money in the long run. You’ll save money on repairs, on your energy bill and you’re less likely to have to replace your roof before you expected to.
Consult with a professional to find out what roof ventilation system will work best for your home before you have one installed.
We would love to talk to you about how we may be able to help with your home improvement project. Call 1-844-ARNOLDS today to schedule your free, no-hassle estimate.