The Importance of Proper Attic Ventilation

Having sufficient ventilation in your attic has a positive impact on the service life of your roofing system as well as the comfort and well-being of your family. In an unfinished attic, having intake vents along the soffits and exhaust vents at the peak of the roof allows for the uninterrupted flow of air through the space.

Roofing experts explain exactly why proper attic ventilation is good for your roof.

It Keeps the Living Space Comfortable

When it is scorching hot outside, the sun beating down on the roof can increase the temperature in the attic. Ultimately, the exposure to severe heat can cause the roof sheathing to warp and the composition shingles to age prematurely. Even worse, if the attic floor is not adequately insulated, the heat building up in the attic can transfer into the living areas of the home.

It Prevents the Buildup of Moisture

When humidity from inside the living space and outside of the home enters a cool attic, it condenses into liquid once it touches colder surfaces. Over time, the presence of moisture can compromise the structural elements of the roofing system and ruin the attic insulation. In a warm attic, the moisture may allow mold and mildew to thrive, which puts unnecessary stress on the cooling system and poses a health risk to the residents.

It Protects Against Ice Damming

In regions where temperatures drop below freezing in the winter, warm air from the living spaces escapes into the attic and rises to the underside of the roof deck. As the deck warms, snow begins to melt, and once the runoff reaches the cold outer edge of the roof, it refreezes into ridges of ice called ice dams. Once ice dams form, water can back up underneath the shingles and leak into the home where it can saturate the floor insulation and get into the interior walls. If the attic is properly ventilated, however, outside air will cool down the attic to reduce the moisture and prevent mold and ice dams.

Homecraft® Inc. specializes in home improvement solutions, including roof replacement and attic ventilation. Our team of skilled roofers is committed to providing the level of comfort and efficiency that you deserve. To schedule a service appointment or request a quote, call (302) 798-0302 or fill out our contact form.