You may be surprised to know that ventilation is one of the most important parts of your roof system. Moisture is considered to be one of the biggest threats a home can face, but with the proper ventilation, a roof and home can be protected from damage. Ventilation systems are a necessity in attics and are also required by the International Building Code. The roofing system, which consists of shingles, ventilation and insulation products, work together to help extend your roof’s life and save money on heating and cooling costs.
An effective roof ventilation system helps:
- Reduce damaging moisture in your attic.
- Helps lower attic temperatures that can increase the load on your air conditioner.
- Reduces the risk of damaging ice dams.
Proper ventilation keeps attics cooler in the summer months and reduces moisture and prevents the formation of ice dams during the winter months. Without proper ventilation, heat buildup in the summer can cause premature aging and cracking of the wood and roofing materials. This additional heat can also reduce energy efficiency in the home.
During the colder months, warm air that is generated through everyday activities, like doing laundry and showering, can cause moisture buildup in the attic. If the moisture isn’t properly vented from the attic, it can cause mold, mildew or wood rot to develop, compromising the quality of the air inside the home and resulting in costly damages to fix.
An attic that is properly sealed and insulated will help prevent conditioned air from escaping into the attic, thus making the home more comfortable and energy efficient.
A properly installed ventilation system will naturally cycle air through the attic, flushing out any moisture from inside the home, thus protecting your roof and home from mold, ice dams, irregular temperatures inside the home and other damages.