Did you know that your roof needs to breathe? At Porter Roofing & Restoration, we aren’t just roofing experts, we’re also experts in ensuring that your attic has the proper ventilation to prevent mold and wood rot from taking over your Central Indiana home. Today we’re sharing some of our top tips and recommendations for keeping your family and your home breathing easier.
How Attic Ventilation Works
In an unfinished attic, the home’s builder will usually include intake vents in the lower portions and exhaust vents in the upper portions near the peak of the roof. Your attic needs a continuous flow of air in order to prevent humidity and moisture from accumulating.
Ventilation can also keep your home in better condition, both inside and out, and prevent costly repairs. If you are concerned about the amount of ventilation in your attic, you can try out the online ventilation calculator from our partners at Owens Corning to ensure your home is up to code.
Adequate Ventilation Affects Your Home and Roof
When your attic is not properly ventilated, you’ll notice many problems starting to occur. Humidity is common with a poorly ventilated attic and can cause a dangerous growth of mold and mildew. Left untreated, this mold growth can spread throughout your home and affect your indoor air supply and the respiratory health of your family.
Proper Ventilation Impacts Family Comfort
In the summer months, the sun will beat down on your roof and your attic’s temperature will skyrocket. Without proper ventilation and insulation, the living spaces in your home will absorb more heat and keep your family from staying comfortable in the high summer temperatures.
On the other hand, you may notice during the cooler winter months that your family is too cold if warm air is escaping from your home through a poorly ventilated attic. You may even face the dangers of an ice dam, which is trapped water that melts and refreezes on roofs that are not properly ventilated in the winter.
Poor Ventilation Could Cost You Big
Repairing damage from an ice dam, mold growth, warped shingles or the other problems from poor ventilation can add up quickly. And on top of those repair costs, you may also notice an increase in utility bills or unit breakdowns if your HVAC system is attempting to keep up with the temperature fluctuations that come with improper insulation and ventilation.
How to Fix Your Attic’s Ventilation Issues
In addition to the issues mentioned, some of the other telltale signs of an improperly ventilated roof can include:
- A rippled appearance to your roofline or wavy shingles
- Corrosion or rust on metal elements in your attic
- Noticeable dampness or water stains around your attic or ceiling
