Why Attic Ventilation Is Important For Your Home

Poor attic ventilation causes costly roof problems you won't know about until it's too late. Also, some asphalt shingle manufacturers have clauses in their warranty regarding the refusal of warranty based on insufficient attic ventilation. Proper ventilation is a necessity to validate those warranty terms. That's why you need to know how your ventilation system affects both your roof and home. Having the right amount of ventilation in your attic will let it breathe and help protect your roof system from damaging heat and moisture. Some advantages of proper attic ventilation are:

• It positively affects the lifespan of your roof: Many factors impact the life of your roof, and one of the most important is your attic's ventilation. If it doesn't have proper ventilation, the trapped hot and cold air will shorten your roof's lifespan by causing extensive damage and leading to a complete replacement way before you would need one otherwise. Poor ventilation during summer can cause heat to build up in your attic. This causes the adhesives in the decking to deteriorate and your roof's shingles to crack or curl. During winter, heat, and moisture from the home's interior travel into the cold attic, which causes condensation, which causes your roof's decking to swell and become wavy. Whether it's cold or hot air, you'll have problems if it cannot escape your attic properly.
• Prevents ice dams: during our Florida winters, warm air escapes into the attic from our living space below and rises to the roof deck when the temperature drops below zero. The accumulated moisture on the rooftop condenses as it warms, causing water to trickle down the roof and refreeze into ice sometimes. When this happens various times, a buildup of ice forms along the eaves, blocking further runoff's escape. 
• Increases energy efficiency: having proper attic ventilation reduces your home cooling costs by allowing heat to escape. As the temperature outside rises, the temperature inside your home does too. If your attic doesn't have ventilation, the heat will be trapped inside your attic and will cause your air conditioner to work harder. When ventilation is working correctly, it can lower your home's cooling and operating costs. Also, installing an efficient roof system will create a higher solar reflectance and thermal emittance than other standard roofing materials. On a 90° day, attic temperatures can reach 140° or higher, and this stagnant air can work its way back into lower-level living spaces and cause AC units, fans, and other energy-consuming appliances to work harder. To learn more about this topic, check out this resource. 
• Prevents condensation, mold, and rot: your home produces more moisture than you think. Showers, laundry, bathing, and cooking, generate warm and damp air inside the living space of your home. This moisture gravitates to the ceiling of your home, and if a vapor barrier is not in place, it will land in the attic. If the warm air reaches a cool surface, it will condense. This can create an unhealthy environment where mold and mildew will grow. Properly ventilating your roof and attic can keep your insulation dry and prevent these damages. 
• Keeps your upstairs cool: during warmer months, your vents help to pull in the outside fresh air and allow hot air in your attic to escape. If you have ever walked upstairs and felt a drastic temperature change, it may result from poorly ventilated roofing. It may even get to the point where it's too hot to be upstairs at all, and when this happens, your AC will have to work harder to keep your home cool, causing your energy bills to rise. For example, if the temperature outside is 90°F, the temperature in your attic can get as high as 170˚F. This can cause your attic floor to be as high as 140˚F, and any room below a poorly ventilated attic at these temperatures won't be cool enough to be in until the sun goes down. Overall, besides preventing super-heated attics, which can also impact your heating and cooling costs, ensuring proper ventilation will help your home be more comfortable throughout the year.

Learn the secrets to achieving a healthier and energy-efficient home! Our experts at Worthmann Roofing and Gutters will help you understand the significance of attic ventilation for your living area. Harness the potential of optimal air circulation, acquiring knowledge on its ability to prevent moisture accumulation, lower energy expenses, and prolong your roof's lifespan. Don't overlook this precious wisdom—seize command over your home's welfare. Call us now and lets revolutionize your attic into an energy efficient roof hero!