Roof Ventilation

Proper roof ventilation allows air to circulate in and out of your home during all kinds of weather conditions; without it, moisture has no where to go which can cause many problems. Having proper ventilation has many benefits for you and your home, and is essential to having a healthy and long-lasting roof. Here are some benefits of proper roof ventilation:

1. Keeps energy costs down
2. Reduction of heat build-up in the summer
3. Eliminates trapped moisture that causes mold, mildew, wood rot, drywall damage, peeling paint and warped siding
4. Keeps roof decks cool in the winter to protect against ice dams
5. Extends the life of roof shingles
6. Keeps your attic cool and dry

Achieving Proper Roof Ventilation

To create a system which properly ventilates air throughout your home, you must consider the conditions in which you live and the air that comes in and out of your home. The mid-atlantic region gets snowfall in the winter that can cause roofing problems without a proper ventilation system. The region also has warm weather that if heat gets trapped, will cause energy bills to soar. The best choice for your roof depends on the size and shape of your roof, and the layout of surrounding trees, wires and other objects.

Moisture also builds up in your attic due to inside sources. Appliances such as washing machines and dish washers create moisture which can also damage your home if you don’t have proper ventilation. This means that no matter where you live, proper ventilation is important for you and your home.

Asphalt roofs tend to radiate heat into attic spaces, radiant barriers that can be installed in the roof rafters will help heat escape. Well-vented attics minimize the risk of ice dams that have the potential to clog roof drains and cause damage.