Proper Attic Ventilation – Rochester Roofing

Rochester roofing experts commonly discuss the importance of attic ventilation to homeowners. Roofing decks without proper air flow can have a negative on your home and all living within it. This advice from roofing professionals comes from years of experience in handling roofing issues common to the Rochester area.

But many homeowners are not aware of just why proper attic ventilation is so important. Here are 4 reasons why you need to consider adding ventilation or maintaining air flow for your home or property’s attic.

1) Rochester Roofing Longevity Affected by Attic Ventilation

One of the reasons why attic ventilation is so essential to your building has to do with roof life. You must ensure that air is flowing adequately through your attic to prevent heat buildup. Without air circulation, the attic becomes too hot especially during the summer months. When hot air builds up inside the attic for too long, it can damage and break down roofing shingle materials. Improper ventilation is a leading cause of shingle failure and reduction of roof life spans. In fact, some shingle manufacturers do not honor warranties for shingle damage resulting from poor ventilation.

2) Proper Ventilation in Attics Protects From Damage

Air circulation is also important to ensure a balance in moisture between the attic and outside environment. Too much moisture in the attic may lead to wood warp or rot, which, in turn, creates an excellent habitat for insects to thrive. Warping in wood also affects the roof structure itself along with the framework that supports the roof and attic. Any structural damage to your roof may create expensive repairs or replacement issues as well as impose a hazard to those inside.

3) Poor Attic Ventilation Unsafe for Families

Besides affecting heat and moisture build-up inside attics, ventilation also plays an important role in protecting the health and well-being of your family. Excessive moisture in attics has the potential to create conditions ripe for the formation of mold and mildew. Not only can mold create foul odors, but it may potentially cause serious health concerns particularly if anyone in the family is allergic.
Ultimately, poor attic ventilation can constitute a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of your family should roof or attic damage occur.

4) Proper Venting of Attic Reduces Energy Costs

Everyone appreciates a reduction in their utility bills. Air ventilation in attics helps reduce spending on energy needs. In the absence of adequate ventilation, home energy loss increases. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends HVAC systems in the attic to create more efficient heating and cooling of the home, and reduction in attic heat build-up. Rochester roofing companies will also add insulation and sealant to attic interiors to help with energy costs and prevent the same heat and moisture build-up common in this part of New York. Prevention of ice formation during winter is another important aspect of attic ventilation. Moisture build-up leads to condensation and in really cold weather may freeze the roof frame and fasteners.

It is very essential to ensure your attic is set up in such a manner as to ensure free flow of air, and installing proper attic ventilation is not something to treat lightly. Check with Rochester roofers to learn more about how to adequately ventilate your roof to ensure it lasts for many years to come.