A lot of homeowners might not realize just how important good roof ventilation is for the roof’s performance and lifespan. Without proper ventilation in the roof and attic, your home can’t “breathe” properly. Simply put, good ventilation helps air flow through the attic and roofing system the way it’s supposed to. At Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows, we assist homeowners with assessing their ventilation needs and provide targeted solutions to safeguard their homes from poor air circulation.
Why Your Home Needs Quality Roof Ventilation
Here are some great reasons why your home will benefit from better roof ventilation:
Extends Your Roof’s Lifespan
Roofing products have a shelf life. Typically, an architectural asphalt shingle is designed to last between 15 to 30 years with proper maintenance. However, a homeowner can truncate a roof’s longevity by failing to provide reasonable roof ventilation. How? Instead of removing excess heat and moisture from the attic and replacing it with cool, refreshing outside air, the attic becomes an environment akin to a sauna. Consequently, roofing materials (including sublayers) will likely experience premature degradation.
Improves Indoor Comfort
As a homeowner, you want to feel at ease relaxing in your house. Proper roof ventilation helps regulate indoor air temperatures by thwarting excessive heat buildup in the attic and simultaneously allowing cool, refreshing air to enter your home. Resultingly, you benefit from more consistent temperatures and humidity levels in every room, regardless of the season. Likewise, your HVAC systems (including the furnace and A/C unit) don’t have to overcompensate to offset uncomfortable temperatures or humidity levels.
Increases Home Value
Prospective homebuyers can tell if a house lacks sufficient ventilation. Indoor spaces may feel stuffy, especially during warm summer months. Also, if a possible purchaser suffers from allergies, poor air circulation can make them feel uncomfortable. Avoid these issues if you are considering selling your home in the near future. Assess your present roof ventilation system to ascertain if it meets your expectations. Install or replace roof ventilation components to improve your home’s comfort and make it more marketable.
Limits Moisture Damage
An undetected or unresolved roof leak is the #1 reason for roofing issues. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t know how to correctly identify the root cause of the problem. Poor roof ventilation could be the culprit. Sufficient ventilation helps regulate temperature and humidity levels in the attic. Otherwise, warm, moist air from the inside may become trapped, leading to excess condensation buildup, which might result in wood rot, mold growth, and a host of other challenges corresponding to moisture intrusion.
Prevents Ice Dams In Winter
Across the Upper Midwest, ice dams are a harsh reality. When a roof’s surface temperature rises above freezing, snow will melt and flow to the eaves (where surface temperatures remain below freezing), where it reforms as ice. Ice dams can cause subsequent snowmelt to back up under asphalt shingles, resulting in moisture intrusion and water damage. Quality roof ventilation systems contribute to maintaining a consistent attic air temperature so that excess heat buildup does not occur just below the roof’s surface.
Protects Indoor Air Quality
Airborne allergens, pollen, and pollutants cause health problems that compromise the health and well-being of homeowners and their families or guests. Did you know that quality roof ventilation can substantially reduce or eliminate this issue? It prevents the buildup of harmful mold, mildew, and pollutants in the upper and hidden spaces (including the attic and crawlspace) of your house. Instead, your home experiences a rush of cool, restorative air circulating throughout the house, offsetting excess heat accumulation.
Reduces Energy Consumption
Heating and cooling bills continue to spiral out of control. What options do homeowners have to lessen their energy consumption and bring down the cost of heating and cooling (as well as electricity)? Ensuring proper roof ventilation contributes significantly to managing heating and cooling usage. Sufficient roof ventilation in warmer months keeps the attic cooler, resulting in less strain on your A/C unit. Likewise, during the winter, a consistent attic temperature prevents heat loss, reducing heating bills.
Are Roof Vent Caps Necessary?
A roof vent cap fits over a roof vent. It helps prevent debris and other outside elements (including pests, moisture, and noise) from entering the home through the vent. A roof vent cap is necessary to maximize airflow while minimizing unwelcome problems. If your roof vents lack caps, consult with a knowledgeable roofing professional to install new ones today.
Can Roof Vents Be Easily Replaced?
It depends on the style of the roof vent and the condition of adjacent roofing materials (including shingles and sublayers). However, most roof vents can be removed easily, and new ones can offer similar or improved functionality. A homeowner should replace any roof vent that has visible issues, such as cracking or deterioration, or if it no longer meets your needs.
Can Roof Vents Be Easily Replaced?
If you need a dependable residential or commercial contractor, trust the experts at Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows in the Twin Cities, MN. Since 1972, we’ve consistently delivered the highest quality craftsmanship and construction products to homeowners and businesses throughout the region.
Contact us today to learn more about our roofing services or to schedule an appointment.