Unknown to a majority of homeowners, ventilation is a significant part of the roofing system. Inadequate ventilation creates an inconducive environment that lets in moisture, humid, and hot air, which is an excellent recipe for disaster. Read on to have a clearer insight into the potential issues that can erupt from having a poorly ventilated roof in Royal Oak.
Consequences of a poorly ventilated roof
Mold growth
Mold thrives in moist and humid areas and known to cause structural damage to your housing and roofing structures. Moreover, mold in your house poses a health hazard to you and your family, triggering respiratory issues, and allergies. With inadequate roofing ventilation, you risk encouraging mold growth.
Roof damage and deterioration
Poor ventilating systems trap in excess heat and moisture within the roof system. This results in destruction, starting from the decking to the roof shingles and eventually to the underlayment. Moisture, in particular, soaks in the light roof materials leading to a saggy and spongy decking that weakens the integrity of the roof. If left unattended to, the roof system could cave in during repairs or a storm. On the other hand, the heat exerts unnecessary expansion on the roof shingles, causing granule loss and forces the roof shingles to curl, crack, and become loose. This could be the reason why you start recording missing and broken shingles even before the roof serves its optimal purpose.
Rust
Moisture and humid atmospheres are likely to be the norm in your attic with a weak ventilating system. These conditions cause metal components of the roof, such as nails, bolts, and fasteners to rust, weaken, and break. This eventually leads to shingle loss. As the rust spreads, more integral systems such as plumbing ducts, heating vents, and other forms of duct work may get corroded in the process.
Escalating utility bills
As earlier mentioned, a poorly ventilating system traps heat and gives it no escape way from your home. The heat accumulates and spreads throughout your house as more of it gets generated. Your HVAC system, in turn, works effortlessly to get rid of the uncomfortable hot temperatures in your home. As a result, you may receive high energy bills from an overworking HVAC system. You may also notice constant HVAC system breakdowns from the overworking.
Ice dam disasters
During winter in Royal Oak, ice dams form after heat from an inadequately ventilated and insulated roof system melts down snow located on top of the roof. The melted snow then refreezes in the attics. In severe cases of massive ice dams, water is blocked from draining into the gutters and forced to settle under the roof shingles and eventually into your home. This causes severe interior damages such as leaks, mold growth, and structural damage.
The solutions to poor ventilation
Ventilating systems work on the simple basis of constant airflow. Your ventilating system must have an intake vent and exhaust vent to operate seamlessly.
Exhaust vents
As the term suggests, exhaust vents allow air to escape. Most roofers install exhaust vents at the intersection of the two ridges (roof planes), earning it the term ridge vents. Depending on the design of your home and your desires, your roofer might install a visible or invisible ridge vent. Roof louvers, power attic ventilators, and wind turbines are some of the most common examples of exhaust vents.
Intake vents
Typically, they are hard to spot to the naked eye. Mostly, intake vents, also known as edge vents, are located under the roof’s shingles, along the eaves or at the drip edge. Intake vents allow air to flow through the eave space, pushing hot air out via the ridge vents.
Both the exhaust and intake vents are instrumental in making up a functional ventilating system. A properly ventilated roof and attic extend the general lifespan of your roof. Your HVAC system will be safe from overworking, and in the long run, it saves you from escalated energy bills. Lastly, you get to save on money from dodging costly interior repairs and mold restoration.
This piece discusses the importance of a fully functional ventilating system in Royal Oak. Sometimes it can be hard to determine if yours is adequately insulated and ventilated. If you are concerned that your house may have poor ventilation, we can help. Call us now to book an appointment with one of our leading roofers.