Of all the details that roofing companies find to be the most critical to a roofing installation, none gets more overlooked than attic ventilation.

In fact, many of the problems that roof companies encounter have their root cause in poor attic ventilation.

Read on to learn why adequate attic ventilation is so essential and how experienced local roofing contractors play an important role in helping homeowners protect their roofs to get a full life out of them!

What Purpose Does Attic Ventilation Serve?

A detail that many homeowners may not realize about their roofs is that they are not airtight architectural components.

The installations done by roofing companies include numerous vents that let air move through the attic space under the roof decking.

That airflow is vital for numerous reasons including keeping the attic temperature down, preventing condensation, and protecting the roof in its entirety.

In addition to ensuring the whole roofing installation stays in good condition, roofers find that proper ventilation also helps to increase home energy efficiency.

Most importantly, if there is not enough ventilation, roofing contractors frequently see this leading to the premature destruction of the roofing materials from the inside out.

What Roof Problems Are Caused By Inadequate Ventilation?

As benign as this problem might seem, roofing companies know that a lack of attic ventilation can be highly destructive to external roofing materials, especially asphalt shingles.

An overheated attic can also cause numerous other home problems:

Overheated shingles may lift, curling upward or bowing due to the adhesive loosening and the asphalt felt heating and flexing. In extreme cases, asphalt shingles may even blister through the top.
Roofing companies also see condensation under the decking that, after some time, can lead to the rotting of the decking and wooden structural components.
Mold growth in a moist attic can also affect indoor air quality, creating a health hazard for the occupants of the house.
Moisture in the attic can also cause HVAC and electrical equipment to rust and eventually malfunction.
After a few years. a hot, poorly ventilated attic can cause asphalt and wood shingles to dry out prematurely, making the whole roof susceptible to breakage and leaking.
A poorly ventilated attic is also a prime cause of high utility bills as the heat from that space works its way into the home, requiring the air conditioning to run longer to maintain interior comfort.

How Can A Homeowner Know If Their Attic Is Ventilated Properly?

Keeping the attic space of a home well ventilated is essential to protect not just the roof, but also the home in general.

The easiest way for a homeowner to know whether their attic has enough ventilation is to have a roofer perform an inspection and test the flow of air through that space.

A local roofing contractor can measure airflow through the attic to determine whether there is adequate ventilation for the size of the roof or if more is necessary to keep the under-decking space cool.

If necessary, they can install additional vents in appropriate places to facilitate good airflow and keep the interior of the attic cool.

Hire A Reliable Local Roofing Contractor To Test Attic Ventilation

Roofing companies stress the importance of proper attic ventilation and its role in roof care and the prevention of serious and costly roof and home problems.

To ensure adequate ventilation, homeowners should arrange an inspection with an experienced local roofing contractor who can test the airflow in their attic and increase ventilation as needed.

With regular inspections and ventilation checks by a respected roofing company, homeowners can protect their roofs through the years, preventing damage that will prematurely destroy a roofing installation!