The Importance Of Proper Roof Ventilation

For many of us, our home is often a lifelong investment.  As such, we must maintain the strength of its structure.  One of the most critical areas to maintain is its roof.  If your roof is not adequately maintained, then problems in other areas of the home will occur.

Proper roof ventilation is comprised of a two-part system—intake and exhaust vents—located on the top of your home on its roof.  These vents serve to keep air circulating, allowing your home to remain comfortable on the inside.  Without the use of the intake and exhaust vents, hot air will quickly become trapped within your home, leading to a whole host of issues.

To ensure that you have the proper amount of ventilation, you will need to consider various factors, including but not limited to the climate that you reside in.  Once you have determined the factors involved, you will then be able to decide on which vents that your home will best benefit from.

There are two types of ventilation options for your roof—natural and mechanical.  

Natural Ventilation

When the hot air existing in your home rises, as hot air does, it will eventually build up and create pressure within the attic.  If the higher-pressured air has a means of escaping the attic, it will, in turn, be replaced with much cooler, lower pressured air.  When the proper form of roofing vent is taken advantage of, better natural air flow will be acheived, resulting in proper ventilation and added comfort within the home.  Worth noting is that natural ventilation exists in other forms, such as through doors, open windows, and any other form of gaps.

Mechanical Ventilation

There are those structures that will need a series of mechanical ventilation.  Mechanical ventilation is just how it sounds—the roofing vents provide a consistent airflow utilizing a power source.  When the structure and design of the home don't allow for the necessary airflow or the house is located in an area where an adequate amount of wind is not present, mechanical ventilation of the roof is an option.

Proper roofing ventilation is vital for the life of our roof and your home.  If your home's roof cannot adequately ventilate, the trapped warm air and subsequent air pressure can eventually lead to significant and costly repairs.

In those areas of the country that experience drastic changes in weather, from hot to cold, the use of proper ventilation can prevent the possibility of the following scenarios:

-  Hot air becomes trapped in your home and creates difficulty in keeping your home cool.

-  Hot air that has become trapped creates such problems as mildew, mold, and ice dams in the winter.

There are several tell-tale signs that a homeowner can look out for that will alert them that they may have a problem with proper roof ventilation:

- Ice Dams or Icicles

If you notice a snow or ice buildup on your roof, this is a sure sign of a problem with your roof's ventilation.  When your roof heats up, it will cause any snow present to melt.  The melted running water will freeze when it reaches the roof's edge.  This ice formation indicates a poorly ventilated roof and can lead to a whole host of potentially serious issues. 

Air Conditioner Breaking Down

Undoubtedly, many homeowners do not see acorrelation between the overall health of their roof and how efficiently their air conditioner functions.  As it turns out, if you do not have proper roof ventilation, it can result in seriously overworking your air conditioner.  When your HVAC experiences stress over a long period of time, this continued stress can significantly shorten its lifespan. An air conditioner that has broken down several times may indicate roof ventilation issues.

Hot and Cold Areas

While moving throughout your home, have you ever noticed a difference in temperature from room to room or level to level?  These temperature changes are another obvious sign of improper roof ventilation. Temperature differences are a prime sign that your home's heating,cooling, and ventilation systems are not adequately meeting demand. 

Mold and Mildew

If warning signs of improper roof ventilationare left to go unchecked, the results can include damage to your home and problems with your family's health.  If the roof has been exposed to the elements such as snow or water, the damage can result in roof leaks over time.  Allowing these leaks to go without treatment can inevitably lead to mold and mildew buildup.

If you find you need a roofing contractor in the Woodlands, Tomball, Spring, and Conroe areas, look no further than the most trusted roofing company in Texas, Service First Construction.  We offer and provide a wide range of roofing services, including roof installation, roof repair, roof maintenance, and various other construction services.

Contact us today, and we would be happy to schedule an appointment time that works within your schedule to answer any questions or concerns you may have.