How Attic Ventilation Keeps Your Roof Safe 

When choosing to install a new roof on your home there are many factors you take into consideration, including color, style, materials, etc. While all of these decisions are relevant, there are even more important things to consider. The structure of the roof, and the attic that lies underneath, play a significant part in the overall longevity of your roof, home and energy efficiency. Keeping your attic well-ventilated will protect your roof from a number of hazards that could result in severe damage.

An effective home ventilation system requires a specific type of air movement in and out of the attic. Air flow must be steady and high-volume to adequately circulate. Two important forces work together to create naturally efficient air movement:

 · The stack effect occurs because hot air is lighter than cold air, rising to the upper parts of the home. Pressure in the upper parts of the attic increase while the lower areas decrease in pressure. Due to these pressure differentials, air naturally exits at the areas of higher pressure and enters in low-pressure areas. Efficient ventilation systems place exhaust fans near the ridge of a roof and intake vents at the attic’s lowest point.

 · Pressure differentials create a wind effect that ensures a high volume of air movement. Winds that blows over a building’s outside surface naturally creates areas of high and low pressure. The high pressure forces air into the attic, while low pressure pulls air out.

If an attic is not properly ventilated, summer heat can quickly become a serious concern. As the sun heats up the air it can become trapped in the attic space, reaching temperatures as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme heat can cause damage to roofing decks and shingles, warping the material and causing it to deteriorate. A hot attic can also result in higher electricity bills; heat can radiate into the rest of the home, forcing the air conditioning and fans to work harder than necessary.

During the winter, warm and moist air will rise into the attic as usual. If the attic is not properly vented, the air then condenses on cold surfaces in the rafters, pooling and creating excess water. This water can cause many problems such as swelling of the roof deck and shingles, mold growth and even rotting of the roof itself. Too much condensation can leak through the attic insulation into the rest of the home.

One of the biggest concerns in the colder months is the formation of ice dams. Built-up attic heat and the sun’s rays melt snow on the roof, even when the outside air is below freezing. The slushy water then accumulates on the gutters and eaves before re-freezing into a solid chunk of snow and ice. The repeated freezing and thawing cycle soaks the roof deck and shingles before damaging both interior and exterior walls, peeling paint and ruining ceilings. A properly ventilated attic prevents the initial accumulation of warm air, completely preventing future problems.

Alpine Construction has proudly provided the Spokane area with exceptional, reliable construction and remodeling services for more than 30 years. From roofing, siding and gutters to remodeling, masonry and construction projects, our highly skilled contractors have seen and done it all! Contact us today for more information or to request a free estimate.

- https://www.asphaltroofing.org/press-room/press-releases/importance-proper-attic-ventilation-roofing-system