Did you know roof ventilation is critical and must be available in all homes? Not only does it provide your home with that much-needed fresh air circulation but it also improves energy efficiency. As a result, you’ll notice a huge reduction in your electricity bill.
And that’s only the start of why it’s so important. In this article, we’ll outline the many benefits associated with roof ventilation. Sadly not many homeowners realise its importance and don’t invest in this feature. It’s not an unnecessary expense; it’s an investment.
At the end of this article, you’ll realise what you’re missing out on.
What is Roof Ventilation?
As the name suggests, roof ventilation is a process that allows air to pass in and out of your home. Air is circulated via the roof vents. The goal here is to create the right air balance in your home. Why is this important?
Reasons Why Air Ventilation is Important
Overheated Homes
Lack of roof ventilation is likely to overheat your space; particularly if you stay in extremely hot areas. Air that doesn’t flow out is trapped inside. Over time this trapped air is continuously exposed to the hot sun’s rays and it starts overheating.
To manage this situation and adjust the interior temperature you may end up overworking your AC system. In such cases, you can expect a high energy bill come the end of the month.
It Affects Your Roof’s Lifespan
Without adequate ventilation, don’t expect your roof to last as long as it’s supposed to. When excessive heat can’t escape your home, it’s not only transferred to your living space but to the roof shingles too, causing premature damage. As a result, your roof is significantly compromised, decreasing its lifespan.
It Affects Your Home’s Aesthetics
If your roof isn’t well ventilated, over time this can have devastating effects on your home’s aesthetics. When the wood framing your roof is continuously heated, it tends to warp. Even your walls and doorframes can become warped with time.
Also, heat is transferred down your walls which will unfortunately blister your wallpaper and paint. Not only will you need to repair your roof, but your walls will need a fresh coat of paint.
Manage Moisture Build Up
Based on the above-mentioned factors, you may think roof ventilation is only crucial during the hot months. Unfortunately, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Winter also hurts your home if your roof isn’t ventilated.
During winter, the streams of water from your shower or dryer can get trapped inside the walls where it consequently condenses. This condensed water can drip back down into your insulation system thereby affecting its performance. Condensation can drive moisture into your roof and walls which results in leaks as well.
This moisture can also result in the formation of mould and mildew in your ceilings. Not only is this an unpleasant sight but it’s also a health hazard.
The solution is to ventilate your roof. Air circulation will move moisture out of these spaces before condensation occurs.
You can Prevent Ice Dams
In winter ice dams on your roof may make for an iconic photograph, but the reality is that feature should have you worried. Ice dams on your roof is a clear indication of a ventilation problem.
If hot air rises as a result of inadequate ventilation, air will be warm at the top but cool at the bottom. The result is the formation of ice dams which is the accumulation of ice along the edges of your roof.
Ice gutters will unfortunately block water from flowing off the roof and into your gutters. Over time this accumulation may start to seep into your home resulting in drips through your roof. In addition, accumulated and stagnant water also creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
If you neglect to manage ventilation well you may cause structural and health concerns.
Wrapping Up
By now you’re probably regretting not installing a roof ventilation system in your home. From the above, it’s clear how temperature regulation in your home is crucial for many reasons. Most importantly roof ventilation can lower your energy bill and prevent premature damage to your home.
Now that you understand the importance of roof ventilation, are you ready to take the necessary action? Installing a roof ventilation system now is much better than dealing with the side effects of not having one later on. Invest now so you don’t have even more expenses later on.
Be sure to hire a professional for the installation if you want to get it right. Take the first step now and protect your home & your budget.
