Proper ventilation is probably one of the most misunderstood areas in the roofing industry.
Proper ventilation is probably one of the most misunderstood areas in the roofing industry. Due to advances in construction techniques and products, ventilation needs have changed. Older homes used to ventilate themselves through old windows, doors, and even right through walls. New materials seal buildings tighter through vapor barriers, vinyl windows and siding, and overall better insulation techniques. As a result, heat, moisture, and condensation that used to escape are now building up in the underside of the roof/attic area, creating its own set of ventilation problems.
Possible Results of Poor Roof Ventilation
This buildup of heat in the home can lead to thousands of dollars in extra air conditioning cost over time, plus the air conditioner ends up working harder and longer, which can shorten its lifespan. The overheated attics can cause the exterior structure’s paint to peel quicker. It can also cause plywood to delaminate and dry the resins out, along with the structural woodwork to warp or crack. This will also reduce shingle life because the overheated deck will “cook” it from the bottom while the sun bakes it from the top. Moisture from cooking, cleaning, and showers turn into vapor and rise to the attic space. This can promote mold and mildew throughout the structure. As the vapor changes back to water on the interior attic plywood deck, it will drip down onto the attic insulation, decreasing its effectiveness.
Winter Weather Can Exacerbate Roof Ventilation Problems
In the winter during snow events, the buildup of attic heat will cause ice dams. The warm attic melts the snow, which runs down the roof slope and then refreezes at the eaves/overhang of the house. The additional melting snow and water gets blocked by the ice dam, builds up, then runs back under the shingles and down the inside walls of the house.
Your home needs a balanced ventilation system with equal parts intake ventilation and exhaust ventilation. The intake at the overhang/soffit allows the warm moist air to rise and exhaust out the roof peak/ridge vent. So, this is why proper roof ventilation is so important. The bad news is 90% of all homes are improperly vented. The good news is that Blair Construction offers a free evaluation of your ventilation system!
Contact Blair Construction Today for a Free Evaluation of Your Roofing and Its Ventilation System!
For all of your roofing ventilation needs performed by professionals you can trust, contact Blair Construction. We have been serving our valued Maryland customers for almost thirty years and look forward to giving your roof the care it needs for years to come. Contact us online or give us a call at (410) 729-0777 to get a free in-home estimate. To see examples of our work and get updates on what we are up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Houzz.