Ensuring proper ventilation is absolutely necessary when it comes to repairing or installing a roof. You want to ensure adequate ventilation in your attic (and the roof above it). Otherwise, you could end up with a host of problems. On top of this, your home will experience decreased energy efficiency as well.
In this article, Century Roofing Limited in Calgary explains the importance of good ventilation to protect your home.
Attic ventilation and condensation
The process of attic ventilation is all about allowing air to move well. Proper ventilation for your roof means that hot or cold air moves away from your roof and shingles and doesn’t get trapped. When contractors build your roof, ensuring proper ventilation is critical to their work. You want overheated air in your attic to move out and fresh air pulled in to replace it. This process, called air exchange, will contribute to your roof’s lifespan.
This is because inadequate ventilation in your attic can cause condensation to build up under the roof and inside the attic. This condensation can lead to attic rain and cause moisture damage to your insulation, beams, and other house components. Getting that air moving is critical to a dry, energy-efficient roofing system and attic.
Shingle degradation during winter months
Without proper attic ventilation, your shingles will also suffer. Then, you might have to replace them far earlier than you expected. When heating your home in the winter, the combination of snow on your roof and the heat from inside will heat up your roof – especially if you have inadequate insulation in the attic. Sometimes, snow on your roof can start to melt from the warmth and trickle down, gathering at the edge. Over time, this creates ice build-up and damaging ice dams. Proper ventilation can assist with this and ensure that warm air moves out.
Another problem we face in Alberta is when snow melts in the spring. Without proper ventilation inside your home, once the snow begins to melt, this creates pressure on your shingles and pushes them upwards. This leads to loose nails and more water getting in around the shingles. Over time, this process repeats and creates further wear and tear on your roof.
Summer challenges
Limited attic ventilation can make your home more challenging to keep cool in the summer. Then, when the sun shines down on your roof’s (often dark) shingles, the heat that’s created radiates into your attic and your home. This will increase your air conditioning costs as your HVAC system works overtime to cool your house. Plus, a hot attic that results from poor ventilation and constant sunshine will also cause your shingles to deteriorate prematurely.
What to watch for
If you suspect condensation due to poor ventilation, look for leaks in your home. Brown stains on your walls or ceiling are a sign you could be dealing with condensation. In addition, signs of ice dams on your roof during the winter can indicate a ventilation problem.
Another sign of poor ventilation is increasing energy bills. If you suspect your shingles are being affected, call a trusted roofing contractor to come and have a look!
Roofing in Calgary
Century Roofing Limited has over 30 years of experience as a roofing and siding contractor. Honesty, integrity and loyalty are the cornerstones of Century Roofing Limited’s business. With this in mind, they can offer their clients outstanding customer service and high-quality workmanship. Century Roofing Limited’s services include siding, residential and commercial roofing, eavestroughing and more.
Call Century Roofing Limited Today!
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