Tips for protecting the roof's vents
It's true that your roof's ventilation system probably isn't something you think about very often. Most likely, not until it's broken.
However, it actually plays an important role in the daily life of your home. The right ventilation can make a huge difference in the lifespan of the roof, your wellbeing, comfort, future home repair costs, and the price of cooling and heating. This is a lot of benefits for something which tends to be a matter of thought.
That being said, let's give some attention to ventilation: how it operates, why it matters, and the best way to care for the ventilation system.
How Attic Ventilation Work
In order to provide ventilation for an attic that isn't finished intake vents can be found on the bottom of the roof and the soffits. Exhaust vents are located at the top of the roof ridge. This permits continuous airflow through the attic. The cooler air outside is pulled into the vents in the soffit, and the warm, humid air that reaches the highest point (hot air rises, cool air falls) escapes through the vents along the roof's ridge. This causes continuous circulation which is important for many reasons.
Why Roof Ventilation is Important
A proper ventilation system in your attic will help disperse the excess moisture and heat which can otherwise cause havoc to your home. In climates that are cold or hot, heat and moisture buildup can cause problems. Regions that experience hot summers or cold winters as do most Canadian homeowners, may suffer from both.
If it's hot outside the sun's rays hitting the roof can raise the temperature in the attic. Exposure to this excessive heat could warp the roofing sheathing and distort and prematurely age the shingles. The attic floor should also be considered. If it's not sealed and evenly distributed, heat may enter living spaces, making it more expensive and challenging to stay comfortable. Your AC will be working double-time to keep up with the demand, which will be evident in your energy bills.
If the temperature dips to below freezing in winter, the warm air that is escaping out of the attic through the warm living space below extends out to the bottom of the deck. As the roof deck warms as it warms, the layer below of accumulated snow on the roof's surface begins to melt, and water begins to flow down the roof. As the water runs over the cold outer edge, it melts back into ice. When this happens often it forms an ice dam on the eaves, preventing the flow of more runoff. The water eventually has no places to go and comes back beneath the shingles.
Let's discuss the word H that is humidity. The humidity that is generated by your living area or from outside, enters your cool attic and then condenses into the form of a liquid upon contact with cooler surfaces. In time, that moisture could cause damage to the roof structure and structural components, or even destroy the insulation of your attic. The humidity in the attic could cause mold and mildew growth. This results in extra strain on the house's cooling system. The wallet gets a slap.
The Signs of Poor Ventilation
Inadequate attic air flow can result in problems that can manifest in a variety of ways.
Unexpectedly higher household heating and cooling costs. This could be caused by a reduction of effectiveness or moisture in the attic insulation.
You'll see a buildup of ice along your roof's edge in the winter months.
The warping of damaged decking beneath may cause an unnatural curving or wavy roofline and roof shingles that ripple.
Rust and corrosion on metal objects in the attic such as nail heads, electrical boxes, or light fixtures.
Water stains, dampness, or frost may be seen on the roof's sheathing side.
The growth of mold in your attic may cause a rise in symptoms and respiratory problems in your family.
What Should I Do
If you see warning signs, like the ones above or are concerned that you might be in danger, it's a good idea to have your attic inspected by a licensed commercial roofing Mississauga contractor who will determine if there's enough ventilation or if your system is in need to be repaired or replaced. They'll be able to guide you through the best methods to increase ventilation and ensure the system is efficient.
No Payne Roofing is available to assist you with any questions you have regarding your current ventilation system. Our roofing experts will assess your ventilation needs and then complete the task quickly and efficiently so you can have the circulation of air it requires. Contact us today to discuss your needs and how our team can help.
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Cadillac Roofing
Etobicoke, ON M9V 2P7, Toronto, Canada
(647) 877-3144