“What type of ventilation will you install on my roof?”
“Will my current ventilation system provide adequate ventilation for my home?”
If there’s one thing I would tell homeowners to ask their roofer, it’s often these questions about ventilation.
I’ve found that improper attic ventilation is a leading cause for premature roof aging among customers seeking a new roof with Linta Roofing. Which tells me that their previous roofer may not have put any emphasis on the importance of attic ventilation. As I’m sure you’ve learned throughout your life – details matter. And attic ventilation is one of the details in your home that can make or break the lifespan of your roof.
This detail matters because condensation from flushing a toilet or taking a shower causes moisture to rise up towards your ceiling, similar to hot air. This condensation is looking for a way to escape through your roof. Which can be a seamless process with a well ventilated attic space. In short, proper ventilation is necessary every time you run water. Otherwise, moisture gets trapped in your home, resulting in a build up of condensation damage to your roof decking each day. Proper attic ventilation also allows for excess heat to escape from your attic space. Keep in mind even a properly ventilated attic will be hot during the warm months of the year.
Whether you have a metal roof or shingles, knowledge about attic ventilation could prolong the life of your roof and help you get the most out of your investment. Here, we’ll discuss why ventilation should be a hot topic between you and a roofing company you’re interested in hiring.
Proper Attic Ventilation Will Help You Get the Most Life Out of Your Roofing System
Improper attic ventilation can decrease the life of your shingles. The most common issue your shingles face in this scenario is blistering. This is where the rock granules on your shingles begin to blister outwards, causing granular loss. When shingles do not have proper ventilation, the rock granules on the shingles can fall off prematurely. This can decrease the effectiveness of your shingles and ultimately your roofing system as a whole.
Condensation build up is common with metal roofing systems also. If a roofer does not leave a space for condensation to escape, you could find that mold and mildew have formed on your roof decking in a short period of time. Resulting in a full roof replacement, likely much earlier than expected. This is usually a result of improper ice and water shield application. So my suggestion is to ask what is necessary to ensure that your attic is well ventilated to avoid these costly problems in the near future.
Your roof needs to breathe. If the underlayment on your roof decking is covering the entirety of your roof, it can, in essence, suffocate your roof and trap condensation in your attic. Sadly it seems that roofers are not having this important conversation. Which is why I share this information with you now and equip you with the knowledge you need to have a high functioning roofing system.
Always Ask a Roofer About How They Plan to Ventilate Your Attic
No one wants to pay thousands of dollars for roof work that fails way before its time. And a way for you to avoid this as a homeowner is to make sure you talk about proper ventilation with your roofer.
Now that you know the potential problems with improper ventilation, I encourage you to use your newfound knowledge to use it to get a new roof that will last for many years to come. Be sure to ask “What type of ventilation will be installed on my roof?” This invites a more detailed discussion around how a roofer can best assist you.
If you’re curious about how to choose the right roofer or wondering who the best of the best are in our Myrtle Beach area, we’re happy to help you make the best decision for your home!
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