Did you know that, according to The American Institute of Architects, an estimated 90% of American homes are inadequately ventilated? Improper ventilation can cause a myriad of problems, particularly in the summer when the weather begins to heat up in the Midwest. Here at Muth & Company Roofing, it’s by no means uncommon to encounter roofing problems caused by roofing companies that didn’t install attic ventilation properly.
Keeping Your Home Cool in the Summer
Adequate attic ventilation is essential during the hot summer months. On a typical 90-degree day in Ohio, attic temperatures can reach a sweltering 160 degrees, but a good ventilation system will allow this hot, moist air to flow out through exhaust vents while the intake vents pull in fresh air to replace it. When this process doesn’t happen continually or is interrupted, there can be some serious consequences:
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Extreme heat will radiate down to the lower living spaces, putting a huge burden on your cooling system and substantially driving up energy costs.
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Hot, moist summer air can prematurely age roofing components, including sheathing and shingles, shortening the life of your roof.
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Inadequate ventilation causes moisture to condense in the attic. When insulation gets wet, its effectiveness is reduced, which means more energy output and a higher energy bill. Attic condensation can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew and promote dry rot that could lead to structural failure of the roof.
Preventing Winter Ice Dams
During the winter months, attics with inadequate ventilation can contribute to the formation of ice dams. Ice dams develop when warm air from your home escapes through the attic roof, melting any ice and snow in its path. The melted runoff then flows down to the edge of the roof and refreezes, forming an icy dam over time that can damage roofing materials and cause water to back up under the shingles.
It’s important to keep in mind that manufacturers will not pay for a roof failure if it’s determined that the roof was installed with inadequate attic ventilation by inexperienced or untrained roofers. If you think your attic may not be vented properly, it’s time to call Muth & Company Roofing at (614) 682-3060 for a professional evaluation. We can advise you as to the ideal solution to your problem, whether it be adding vents or insulation, relocating vents or uncovering vent holes. Let us help you save on energy bills, prevent potential structural damage and even avoid a possible early roof replacement!