ROOF VENTILATION BENEFITS AND HOW TO TELL IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH

The summer heat in Alabama can make a home’s upper levels very hot. Whether you have an attic for storage or rooms with attic access, the heat trapped here can affect the rest of your home’s comfort.

One way to mitigate any negative effects of extreme temperatures in your home’s highest level is to ensure your roof has proper ventilation.

Does your home have enough? Here’s what you need to know.

Why Your Home Needs Roof Ventilation

Attics are generally thought of as stuffy spaces. This might not seem like a big deal since people rarely spend much time in these areas. But “stuffy” air can actually wreak havoc on your home.

That stuffy smell and feeling comes from air that’s been lingering in place for too long. This air can cause problems depending on whether the temperature is hot or cold. For example, extreme heat can cause roof damage by warping the roof sheathing or distorting shingles. It can also make the rest of your home feel warmer, which will make your air conditioner work harder to cool the home.

In the winter when it snows, warm air rising from inside your home will rise to the underside of your roof. In turn, this melts the snow and causes it to trickle down your roof, then refreezes once it reaches the colder outer edges of your roof. This results in an ice dam, leaving additional runoff water nowhere to go and forces it to accumulate on your roof. It’s the perfect recipe for roof leaks.

The Benefits of Roof Vents

One of the biggest benefits of roof ventilation is comfort. Hot air that gets trapped in the attic can seep into other rooms of your home, causing your air conditioner to constantly run. If you’ve ever spent a summer in Alabama, you already know how expensive it is to maintain a cool environment. What’s more, if your air conditioner is running non-stop, it will likely reach the end of its life a lot sooner than if it only runs when you really need it to.

Good roof ventilation will also help you maintain the life of your roof and its components. It prevents moisture and condensation from forming that can damage your roof’s wood framing.

Ventilation gives air an escape route so that it doesn’t impact the integrity of your roof or the rest of your home. When air can easily move out of the attic, you can expect lower energy costs and a longer roof lifespan.

How to Tell if You Have Enough Roof Ventilation

Most homes are built with roof ventilation. That said, there are times when these escape routes might be compromised or are otherwise inadequate. How can you tell if your home has enough roof ventilation?

Here are some things you can look for:

  • A sudden increase in your energy bill, often because the attic insulation has gotten wet and can no longer do its job effectively
  • A ripple or wave-like appearance on your roof caused by warping and moisture
  • Signs of rust or corrosion on metals in your attic, such as light fixtures, nails, or electrical panels
  • Evidence of water damage, such as staining, condensation, or leaking
  • A noticeable drop in indoor air quality

If you notice any of the above symptoms, your home’s roof ventilation could be to blame. Our team is happy to come to your home and inspect your attic to see if this might be the cause. Reach out today to schedule a consultation!