Although most homeowners do not spend a lot of time thinking about their attics, it is important to realize that the health of this space plays a critical role in the overall health of your home. When there is inadequate roof ventilation in the attic space, it can result in mold and mildew growth, temperature fluctuations, and other damage. This makes it vital for you to ensure that the ventilation system is in good working order.
How to Identify Roof Ventilation Issues
There are several telltale signs that you may be experiencing roof ventilation issues at your home. Here is what you should look for.
1. Roofing Materials Are Deteriorating
When the attic of your home is not ventilated properly, it can cause your roof to deteriorate prematurely. This degradation is caused by the accumulation of moisture in the attic. Some signs of problems can include flashing, nails, and duct straps rusting. You may also notice leaks in the attack. Having a significant amount of moisture in the attic can result in the growth of mold and mildew beneath the shingles. This can cause them to rot, become loose, or even fall off your home.
Without adequate ventilation, your attic can experience extreme temperatures during the summer months. This can also damage the shingles and cause curling, blistering, and brittleness. A roof inspection can help you identify any potential problems with your roof materials that may indicate ventilation issues.
2. You Spot Ice Dams
As we move ahead through the winter months, it is important to be aware of any ice dams that form on your roof. These are the large pieces of ice that can accumulate near the roof’s edges. As heating seeps through the roof, it can cause the snow to melt and run off the side of your home. As the melted snow comes into contact with colder weather, it results in the formation of ice, which then gets stuck on your roof and gutters. This could indicate that the air in your attic is not properly ventilated.
3. There Is Mold or Mildew Buildup
When there is poor roof ventilation, it can result in condensation accumulating on the underside of the roof and the trusses. As the water drips down onto joists and flooring, it can cause mildew and mold to grow. It can even cause rot to develop. This is a potentially hazardous situation that needs to be addressed.
4. The Attic Is Holding a Lot of Heat
Attic spaces are not typically climate-controlled. As a result, they tend to warm up much faster than the rest of the home during the summer. When attics are properly ventilated, the temperature will be similar to the temperatures outdoors. Poor roof ventilation can trap hot air inside, which can rise to more than 150 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. This heat can have harsh effects on the roofing materials and can cause significant damage.
5. There Are Pests Invading the Roof and Attic
A lack of roof ventilation can make your attic a very attractive place for squirrels, termites, rats, roaches, raccoons, and other pests. Unfortunately, ventilation problems can lead to gutter, siding, and roof damage, which creates an opening for these pests to enter your home and take over.
Unfortunately, any of these problems can be extremely costly to address. This is especially true if the issues go unaddressed for any length of time. This makes it vital to schedule regular roof inspections to ensure your home is protected.
How to Improve the Roof Ventilation
If you believe that you have roof ventilation problems, there are several things that you can do to remedy the situation. One of the best things to do is to seek help from a professional roofer. Our team at Canga Restoration can inspect your roof and attic and identify any damage that exists. We will also pinpoint the cause and provide you with a free estimate for repairs. Depending on the extent of damage, roof repairs may run between several hundred to several thousand dollars. This is highly dependent on the type of damage and the extent.
Improving the roof ventilation system in your attic can significantly increase the lifespan of your roof and keep you protected. It can also help to reduce your energy costs and keep you and all of your possessions safe and dry.
Types of Attic Ventilation
When selecting the ventilation for your home, it is important to understand the different types that are available. Two of the most common types that are used include natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation.
Natural Roof Ventilation
Natural roof ventilation works by improving the airflow through the fans and vents in the eaves and roof. This method often uses soffit vents and ridge vents to allow the flow of air through the attic so that it does not get trapped inside. In some instances, wind turbines can be used to catch the wind and replace the hot air inside with much cooler air produced by the wind.
Mechanical Roof Ventilation
Alternatively, mechanical roof ventilation is a type of ventilation system that uses electric fans that are attached to the roof itself. These fans run continuously, ensuring that there is a constant flow of fresh air into the attic space. These electrical vents are an effective option for homes that have little to no exposure to winds.
Fortunately, either method will dramatically increase the flow of air through your attic and prevent many of the common problems associated with moisture buildup and trapped heat in the attic space. Seeking help from our experts at Canga Restoration can help to ensure your roof is properly ventilated so that it continues to protect your home for years to come.
Call Our Chicago, IL, Experts for Help
Our team at Canga Restoration has extensive experience helping homeowners across Chicago, IL, improve the ventilation systems in their homes in order to protect and preserve the quality of their roofs. If you believe that you have a ventilation problem, reach out to our team by calling (630) 912-2635 at your earliest convenience to make an appointment. Our team can inspect your home, and we will let you know if any problems exist.
