Attic Ventilation
Poor Attic Ventilation Can Ruin Your Shingles, Destroy You Insulation, And Increase You Energy Bills
Why Take the Risk? It is estimated that 9 out of 10 houses in the United States do not have proper attic ventilation. Why? Because the majority of people are unaware that attic ventilation can decrease the longevity of their home!
Did you know that in the summer improper ventilation can cause attic heat to build in excess of 160 degrees? The superheated air eventually will penetrate to your living area below. Possible resulting damages includes:
- Cracking, breaking down, or warping of wood framing
- Higher energy costs
- Damage to exterior and interior paint, wallpaper, and siding
- Premature aging of your roofing system
A properly ventilated attic can help reduce the strain on your air conditioner by moving super-heated air out of the attic before the build up causes damage.
Did you know that in the winter various household appliances, showers, bathtubs, and cooking vapors can contribute to excess moisture build-up? Improperly ventilated attics will allow the moisture to build up and cling to the underside of your roof. When the moisture condenses and falls, it soaks the attic insulation and reduces its efficiency.
Additional structural damage may include:
- Mildew growth
- Buckling of felt and shingles
- Roof deck rotting and warping of the wood frame
Furthermore, attics should be properly ventilated to help prevent ice dams in the winter frigid winter months. When ice and snow melt on the roof and run down the deck to the cooler eaves it can re-freeze, creating an ice dam that may force water back up under the shingles and leak into your home. This can cause thousand of dollars in damage to your walls and ceilin