Roof Ventilation

Attic ventilation is an important part of roofing. Proper attic ventilation extends the life of a roof and reduces problems because it minimizes the temperature differential between the attic and the air outside. Proper ventilation will remove moisture and heat from the attic. Trapped heat and moisture can raise energy costs, cause ice dams, and damage roof system components as well as structural and personal items located inside the attic where temperatures can easily reach 150° F. Condensation that forms inside attics can be caused by the use of washing machines, dish washers, bath tubs, showers, and tumble driers unless these items are properly ventilated through the roof. In some cases the condensation can be bad enough to be mistaken for a roof leak.

Roof vents become particularly important in the summertime because without them them attic of a home can become extremely hot resulting in cracking wood and premature aging. The heat buildup can also make your air conditioning less efficient, or if you don't have any AC it can make the home unbearably hot in the warmer months. Either way, you are faced with higher energy bills. If you have air conditioning you will be turning up the thermostat during the summer months.

Roof ventilation is also very important in the winter months. If you have a poor ventilation system it will cause condensation to build up inside your attic due to the warm air from appliances and showers, as previously stated above. There is a host of problems that will occur as a result, including wood rot and mold. Sometimes the condensation can become so intense during the winter months that it will begin to appear as a roof leak.

There a two different kinds a roof vents that you will find in a proper ventilation system. There are intake vents that are located around the eaves, and there are exhaust vents that are found near the ridge line of your roof. The only way to tell if your roof ventilation system is working properly is to hire a roofing contractor who can inspect your attic. So give us a call at Belle Roofing and we will send out one of our experts to see if your roof is properly ventilated today.