Asphalt shingles, metal, slate and many other roofing materials have gained significant improvements in manufacturing, making them more durable and dependable against the weather. Buying good-quality roofing materials makes your roof look more beautiful and last a lot longer, as long as they’re installed by reputable residential roofing contractors.
However, even if you buy the best roofing material, if you ignore the other important factors, you are likely to have roofing problems sooner than later. One of those factors is attic ventilation. Did you know that attic ventilation is the leading cause of roof damage and uncomfortable indoor temperatures during summer?
Here are the problems your roof is likely to encounter if your attic ventilation is poor:
1. Shorter Roof Life Span
Without proper attic ventilation, the heat and moisture that’s trapped under your roof will cause dry rot and eventually destroy the shingles, roof decking and underlayment.
2. Mold and Mildew
When heat and moisture fail to exit your attic, the humid environment becomes favorable to mold and mildew growth. These can damage things you keep in the attic and also cause respiratory issues with your household.
3. Ice Dam Formation
It’s not just the hot summer days you have to worry about. In the winter, when snow falls, you’ll have problems with ice dams. As heat naturally rises, the ridge will be the hottest part of your roof. This will melt snow faster than the edges of the roof. The snowmelt will flow to the colder edges, where it will refreeze, forming an ice dam. Ice dams trap water and force it to back up, so some of it will find its way under the shingles. You might need storm damage restoration services if the snowstorm is particularly heavy.
4. Rust
Because there’s moisture present all the time in a poorly ventilated attic, metal parts can develop rust. This can cause leaks if it affects nails and other components.
5. Shorter AC Life Span
Heat naturally rises, so it’s supposed to leave your attic via the vents. If your attic has no vents, or if it does but the vents aren’t sufficient, heat and moisture are trapped. This can affect your home’s indoor environment. To compensate, your AC is forced to work much harder. Over time, your AC will be damaged by the excessive wear and tear.
With sufficient ventilation and timely maintenance, your roof can last longer. Google “residential roofing contractors near me” and you’ll likely find a reputable local contractor like Elevated Roofing LLC. Call us at (205) 684-3945 or use this form. Let’s talk about your project today.