Most homeowners don’t spend much time thinking about how their roof system operates. They just trust that it’s doing its job. But what if it isn’t? While your roof’s primary function is to protect your home from the elements, it also needs to create an environmental balance to avoid things like condensation or mold. Ventilation plays an important role in this.
It’s vital that your roof is properly ventilated for a number of reasons. Proper ventilation can stop moisture and heat buildup before it leads to lasting damage. It can also keep your heating and cooling costs low and impact the useful life of your roof. Here are some of the ways ventilation can impact your roof and overall structure.
4 Ways Ventilation Impacts Your Roof
A properly ventilated roof will have intake vents below the overhang and exhaust vents on the ridge or high up on the peak. These vents permit a continuous flow of air through the attic, drawing exterior air through the overhang vents, which rises when it’s warm and then exits through the roof vents. When your roof’s ventilation isn’t functioning correctly, here’s how it can impact your roof and home.
1. Ice Buildup and Warping
If you have ice building up on your roof and warping shingles or panels, this is a sign of trapped moisture. Keep in mind that you should always have your roof inspected by a professional because this can be dangerous work.
2. Icicles Hanging from Your Home
When warm air becomes trapped in your attic during the winter months due to improper ventilation, this causes snow to slide down to the edge of the roof and then form icicles. Also called ice dams, these can trap water under your roof’s shingles or panels and cause damage.
3. High Heating and Cooling Bills
If you notice that your heating and cooling bills are escalating for reasons other than higher utility rates, your roof’s ventilation might be a problem. If there is condensation in the attic, this can lead to wet insulation and ineffective ventilation.
4. Mold and Potential for Illness
When your ventilation isn’t working correctly, all of that trapped moisture will likely lead to mold and mildew. Not only can these damage your roof and home’s materials, but they can also reduce the air quality in your home and cause serious illness.
Upgrade Your Roofing Ventilation With a New Metal Roof
If you’re concerned about your current roof’s ventilation or would just like to avoid many of these common issues in the future, you may wish to consider upgrading to a metal roof. Metal roofs use a variety of ventilation strategies, such as ridge vents, gable vents, and intake vents, to create a durable roofing system that will last for decades.
Excel Metal Roofing, L.L.C. is Missouri’s largest residential metal roofing installer. We have more than two decades of experience serving customers throughout the Versailles area. Contact us today to learn more about our metal roofing installation and maintenance services.
