Why Proper Roof Ventilation Is So Important for the Health of Your Home

Attic Roof Insulation - Why Proper Roof Ventilation Is So Important for the Health of Your Home graphic

Your roof may not be at the top of your mind, but that doesn’t make it any less important. It shields your home from the outside elements and pests while helping your home retain energy so you can be comfortable inside. 

However, your attic’s relationship with your roof may be something you think about even less. You might not realize that the condition of your attic has a direct effect on your roof. To keep your attic clean and in good condition for years to come, you need not only attic insulation but attic ventilation, as well.

How Does Attic Ventilation Work?

When attic ventilation is installed, the effect is subtle in appearance. Intake vents are placed low, typically along the soffits. Exhaust vents are installed on top of your roof, typically at the roof ridge or peak. 

This arrangement creates a circular flow of air through your attic. The cool air from outside flows in through the intake vents, and the warm air escapes through the exhaust vents up top.

Why Is Attic Ventilation Important?

You might be wondering why you would want cool air to come in and heat to escape. After all, attic insulation is designed to keep air out and keep heat in. 

The problems attic ventilation addresses are excess heat and moisture. While attic insulation will do an excellent job of locking in heat, your roof can be negatively affected if that heat starts to become too much or if contractors installed the insulation improperly.

The summer sun can blast your roof with heat throughout the afternoon, transferring that heat into the attic. With large amounts of heat on both sides, your roof sheathing can distort, and your shingles will age prematurely. 

Ice damming becomes an issue during winter, especially in locations where snow is likely to pile up on rooftops. Warm air will rise from inside your home to the attic. That warm air will heat your rooftop just enough to melt snow. 

The melted snow will run toward the eaves, where it’s cooler. The runoff will freeze, creating an ice dam. This damming causes future runoff to pool up and back up under your shingles.

When the air in your attic is cooler, but heat rises from the rest of your home or comes in from the outside, condensation starts to form. That condensation can affect your roof, causing mold and mildew growth, as well as wood rot inside your attic. 

Does My Home Need Better Attic Ventilation?

If your home is located in an area that experiences seasonal extremes, extra ventilation can go a long way toward preserving your roof’s health. If your roof shows signs of decay, there’s moisture in the attic, or it’s too hot inside the house regardless of the season, attic ventilation can help.

Upgrade Your Attic Insulation and Ventilation Today!

If you’re concerned for the health of your roof and your comfort indoors, call Attic Projects Seattle. Our roofing professionals know everything there is to know about attic insulation and ventilation. We’ll make sure your attic is code compliant, well insulated, and properly ventilated so you can enjoy a healthy home.

Leave a Reply

Contact Your Local Attic Projects: