Have you ever stepped into your attic and noticed how hot and stifling it is? The air isn’t moving and it’s suffocating. If that describes your attic, it may be time for you to check on your roof ventilation system. Your roof ventilation system is critical to your roof’s upkeep and general care. In this article, Quality Roofing Pro is going to explain what exactly your roof ventilation system is and why it is so important.
Key Takeaways:
To take proper care of your roof, it is important that you have a roof ventilation system installed.
- There are two different types of roof ventilation systems: passive and mechanical. These two different types have strengths and weaknesses that each homeowner should be aware of when thinking about their roof’s ventilation system.
- It is important to have good roof ventilation, otherwise, your roof may suffer from damage. These damages could eventually lead to your roof needing serious repairs that could have been avoided if you had the proper system.
What Are The Two Types Of Roof Ventilation Systems?
Roof ventilation is a critical component of every residential roofing system. The reason that they are so important is that they maintain a proper environment in your attic space. This means that they help regulate moisture and temperature levels. There are two different types of roof ventilation systems that do this: passive and mechanical.
Passive ventilation systems rely on natural air movements like wind and temperature changes to move air in and out of the attic. This system is often used because it is completely energy free and it has low maintenance requirements. Yet homeowners should remember that it is ineffective in areas that get little wind movement. While the energy-free aspect of a passive ventilation system may be attractive to residential homeowners, the downside is the inability to control the system. Relying on natural air movements is only helpful when the air moves.
By using fans, mechanical ventilation systems ensure that more air is actively circulated through the attic. Typically, these fans are powered by electricity, but more and more homeowners are making the move toward solar energy. Solar energy is a cost-efficient alternative that everyone homeowner should consider. Additionally, mechanical ventilation is adjustable, so it can meet the specific needs of your home. The fans will need regular maintenance to ensure that they are running effectively.
Both passive and mechanical ventilation systems can maintain a proper environment in your attic. The system you use depends on what works best for your home, information a roofing contractor would be able to provide.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Proper Ventilation?
If you don’t have proper ventilation for your residential roof, many different problems can occur potentially damaging the integrity of your roof. The three main problems that may occur if you do not have proper ventilation are: moisture buildup, reduced energy efficiency, and ice dam formation.
- Moisture Buildup occurs because the moisture from daily activities, like cooking and washing, accumulates in the attic raising the humidity levels. This moisture can cause mold and mildew growth which leads to structural problems.
- Reduced Energy Efficiency is often a common problem of poor ventilation. This occurs because heat can get trapped in the attic, forcing your HVAC to cool down the area.
- Ice Dam Formation: An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms on the edge of your roof that prevents water from draining off of the roof. That trapped water can often leak into the home. Ice dams are formed by fluctuating roof temperatures that melt and then refreeze the water, turning it into a dam. Good roof ventilation can prevent temperature fluctuations ensuring that no ice dams are created.
When you’re considering your roof’s ventilation system, do not hesitate to contact Quality Roofing Pro for a local, trustworthy residential roofer opinion. We’ve been serving the West Central Illinois area for years, and we know how to support and care for your roof. We pride ourselves on providing exemplary customer service, experts who want to help, and the best roofing job for your roof. Contact us today for a free inspection. Call us at (309) 371-4436 or visit our website!
