Attic ventilation is a key roofing design element. Proper ventilation helps prevent the damage caused by trapped heat and moisture, the kind that may require extensive roof repair. In today’s post, local roofing company Pritchett Roofing Inc. shares a look at the problems that arise from poor attic ventilation.
Signs of Poor Attic Ventilation
The quickest way to determine whether or not your attic has proper ventilation is to climb into it. If the attic feels hot and humid, your attic may not be getting enough airflow. Ideally, attic conditions should be more or less the same as the outdoors, or perhaps a room in the house that doesn’t have air conditioning but has open windows. Other signs of high humidity levels in the attic include “sweating” walls, rusty streaks from nailheads, and clumping insulation.
How Does Attic Ventilation Work?
Warm and humid air naturally rises, which is why a typical sloped roof has exhaust vents at the ridges. Releasing warm and humid air creates negative pressure in the attic, which pulls fresh air from the intake vents located at the soffits. Airflow in the attic is created as this cycle repeats. An attic with poor ventilation can be corrected by a capable roofer without needing roof replacement.
Problems Caused by Poor Attic Ventilation
The following are common problems caused by poor attic ventilation.
- Corrosion — As described above, nailheads can form rusty streaks when exposed to moisture. Other metal components in the attic may ultimately fail after extensive corrosion.
- Shortened roof life span — Heat and humidity can cause dry rot on the roof’s structural components.
- Increased wear on the air conditioner — Unvented heat attic can radiate back to the indoor living spaces. This can increase air conditioning workload and may result in higher utility costs.
- Ice dams — Poor insulation can let heat radiate through the roof during the winter season, which can melt snow on the rooftop and ultimately let ice dams form.
- Mold and mildew growth — Mold and mildew thrive in warm and damp environments. Mold spores can spread and trigger allergies and other respiratory problems.
If your attic has poor ventilation, call Pritchett Roofing Inc.at (770) 345-1622. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We provide roofing and siding services to customers in Woodstock, GA, and the surrounding communities.