Roof Ventilation Issues and Solutions

Roof Ventilation Issues and Solutions

At some point, you may have had to deal with problems caused by the improper installation of roof ventilation. The absence or inadequacy of roof ventilation cannot address two vital aspects of indoor comfort: heat and moisture. Daily activities such as washing dishes, taking a shower and washing clothes and dishes accumulates moisture that rises to the attic and collects there. These seemingly insignificant issues could cost you money and drive you crazy in just a couple of years.  Here are a few roof ventilation problems that you will encounter and how you can handle them properly:

Mold and mildew
Moisture in the house condenses because warm air is trapped. This kind of environment is the ideal place for mold or mildew to grow. Mold can cause respiratory problems for the residents and can also damage items.

Formation of ice dams
These are a common problem after a heavy snowfall. When icicles form along the roof edge, and there is inadequate or non-existent ventilation, the trapped warm air from inside rises to the roof deck and melts the ridge of ice. The melted ice forms a dam that leaks back into the home.

Rusting of metal
Aside from molds, humidity accumulated inside the attic causes rusts to the plumbing and heating systems in the house due to condensation. Nails on the roof as well as other roof components are no exception.

Trapping heat
Inadequate roof ventilation will induce excessive heat in your house, especially during the summer. To maintain manageable temperatures in your home, you will find yourself spending more cash on air conditioning. The air conditioner also will have to work overtime to keep the inside air cool, particularly in the upper levels of your home. Because of this, the utility cost drives up, and there is a significant reduction in the refrigeration unit’s life.

Spongy or sagging roof decking
When excess moisture goes into the roof deck, the adhesives that hold them together may begin to dissolve and cause it to warp and sink. While a sagging roof can make your home unappealing, it can also be quite dangerous. It might collapse because the home might not be able to support the roof.
 
An attic with proper ventilation will allow the escape of warm air and moisture, reduce the load on your air conditioning unit, and prevent damage caused by moisture. You will also want to be sure that your attic has appropriate amounts of attic insulation during colder months to avoid heat loss.

A skilled roof installer can help
To avoid all of the above problems, a roofing professional must be employed to ventilate your roof correctly. These skilled professionals can install various kinds of ventilation styles, such as:
 
• A ridge vent is a form of ventilation installed at the top of a sloped roof that helps remove hot and humid air from the attic of a building and circulate comfortable air within.
 
• A turbo or turbine vent is a passive ventilation device and allows more air to move out compared to ridge vents.
 
• Power vents use a thermostat to fight heat and humidistat control to help prevent moisture buildup inside the attic. They either run off your house’s power source or solar energy. These are the type of vents that remove the highest amount of humidity from the other attic or another upper part of a structure.
 
If you are having ventilation issues, Roofers Richmond Hill got you covered! We are here to fulfill all of your roof repair and replacement needs at an affordable cost. Call us today for a free estimate.

​Up next – How a storm can affect your roof