Many know that having a roof installed is a time-consuming, expensive part of home maintenance. With the fluctuation in prices, material and labor, it can become a veritable maintenance nightmare. Finding the right roofing company is essential to ensure the best job is done; however, after a project has been completed, the main challenge begins which is keeping a roof in great shape. The easiest and most important way to accomplish this goal is to have proper air ventilation in the attic.
Problems
Attic ventilation can be tricky. Because of the way that both hot and cool air moves, there is much more involved than simply making sure of a few vents in the attic or having a window that can be opened. It is fairly obvious that poor ventilation of hot air in warm weather can create problems; however, this is also true in cold weather.
In the summer, heat retention will inflate air-conditioning costs. In the winter, inadequate attic ventilation can create ice damming on the roof; this problem occurs when the space in the attic under the roof is warm and not circulating, causing snow to melt which then refreezes into ice when it gets to the metal gutters. This forms into ice which then prevents additional melting water from going through the gutters away from the roof.
Water sits on the roof and eventually soaks in under the shingles where it has dammed up behind the frozen ice. Condensation inside an attic causes a long list of damage including: rusting of metal hardware; dry rotting of rafters and ceiling components; and mold.
Inspections
Poor attic ventilation is a sure-fire way to cause unforeseen damage to a home and it can also drastically shorten the life of a roof. Up to ninety percent of homes, whether old or new, have inadequate ventilation. So it is a good idea to have the attic inspected by a professional who can use certain methods to increase airflow. Not only will the amount and function of attic vents need to be determined but other factors as well. It is important to know what kind of attic insulation is used,where it is placed, and whether any HVAC lines run through the space, all of which should be checked as it can affect the quality of airflow.
Other Issues
Some frequently seen shortcuts in The Woodlands roofing industry that can drastically affect attic air movement are bathroom exhaust vents routed to soffit vents, HVAC systems installed within the attic space, and unprotected electrical wiring running through the space. What is particularly troubling is that not only do many of these shortcuts create ventilation issues in a home and damage the roof, they are fire hazards as well. None of these should be used because heat buildup and condensation is hard to prevent in the small space of an attic.
By going into the attic and taking care of all things that inadvertently trap heat, utility bills should be lower, moisture in the home should be minor, and less mold can be eliminated. A roof can then last throughout its service life as well, saving on repairs and premature replacement. Ensuring there is sufficient attic airflow will keep things dry and cool all year round, giving that roof a fighting chance to protect the home that it covers!