As a hint of fall graces the forecast this week, you may be wondering why we’re still talking about roof ventilation. In truth, there’s no better time to discuss the importance of keeping your attic ventilated in ALL seasons.
According to EnergyStar, a well-ventilated roof is the key to an energy-efficient home. In an age where the population is surging and the need to conserve our resources is at an all-time high, learning how to make your home greener should be on the top of a homeowner’s list.
(It doesn’t hurt that higher efficiency means lower utility bills too!)
Roof Ventilation: Not Just For Summer
Proper roof ventilation and insulation prevents too much summer heat from staying in the home. Keeping the roof cool in the summer preserves the integrity of the shingles and removes moisture from the attic, preventing rot and mold issues. It also stops an excessive amount of heat transfer into your home, which keeps your indoor temperature more stable and comfortable.
But why would you want ventilation during the winter? Wouldn’t letting in cold air into the attic just make it colder and make your home drafty and frigid?
Surprisingly, you want your attic a bit cold. Keeping a regular airflow in the attic in the winter plays a vital role: it reduces the chances of ice dams forming.
- Ice dams: The snow that melts off your roof and re-freezes at the gutters because your attic is too warm.
If you ever experienced the misery of dealing with an ice dam’s fallout, you want to do everything you can to keep it from ever happening again. Ice dams aren’t initially harmful, but as they melt, they can cause moisture damage, gutter damage, and potentially costly repairs that will force you to sacrifice a weekend or some personal days from work to attend to.
Intake and Exhaust Works in the Heat and Cold
To achieve the right ventilation, you’ll need a combination of “intake” from soffit vents and “exhaust” from box vents, rafter vents, or another form of ventilation that sends the air outward. The object is to have a continuous flow of air so that conditions can be right ALL year round.
This means you should go into your attic periodically and make sure none of your soffit vents are covered with insulation. Get a regular inspection of your roofing components to make sure your power fan is activating when the thermostat reads a certain temperature. You should also see if there are any risks for ice dams forming because your attic is too warm in the winter. If your contractor sees any problems, it’s advisable to correct them right away.
Roof Ventilation in Northern Virginia
Whether you’re looking for better form or function, or simply feel that a new roof is in order, trust Noble Roofing, the preferred choice for roof replacement in Centreville VA and surrounding cities. Give us call at (703) 404-0505 to speak with our roofing experts. You can also request a free estimate through our online request form today.
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