Your home’s roof has a lot of responsibilities. Not only does it have to protect the interior of the structure, it must protect everything inside, including people and possessions. The roof can’t do its job if it doesn’t have the proper ventilation, specifically in the attic. Poor ventilation is one of the biggest reasons for energy inefficiency, short roof lifespan, and a host of other problems.
Here are some signs your roof is poorly ventilated so you can have a qualified roofer fix the situation immediately.
Excessive Heat in the Attic
A hot attic is a major warning sign of poor ventilation. The ideal winter attic temperature should be about the same as ambient outdoor temperatures. But when your attic is poorly ventilated, the hot air rising from inside your heated home gathers at the highest points and gets trapped. This can lead to uneven roof temperatures that cause dangerous ice dams, as well as higher energy bills due to an overworked HVAC system.
Adding vents and fans in the attic can help remedy this. You might also consider adding an indoor digital wall thermometer to determine if the temperature in the attic is too high.
Moisture on Plywood
Wet wood in the attic is also a warning sign of poor ventilation. This is what results when warm, moist air from the rest of the house gets trapped against the attic ceiling. Condensation then occurs. Keep an eye out for beaded water, water stains, condensation on hard surfaces, and rusted nails. Add a humidifier or get a roofer in there to inspect the situation. If you don’t address visible moisture right away, mold and mildew will likely grow.
Mold or Mildew
If not remediated, mold and mildew can damage your family’s respiratory health, while deteriorating your drywall and plywood. Look for discolored patches of white, orange, gray, black, pink, or green-black – all colors that indicate the presence of mold. You may also spot a leak or area of dampness, which can also be a breeding ground for mold.
Use your nose, too. A musty or unpleasant smell can be an indicator of mold as well. Call a mold remediation specialist if you suspect mold, and don’t try to remove it yourself.
Cracked or Curling Shingles
Poor ventilation can damage your shingles because it can lead to extreme roof temperatures, roof decking water damage and more. This is why it’s important to have regular roof inspections. Red flags of shingle damage caused by improper ventilation include blistering, granule loss, and shingles that are brittle, curled, or cracked. You will have to address the ventilation issue first, and then replace the damaged shingles.
Ice Dams
The biggest problem caused by poor attic ventilation is the presence of ice dams. When excess warm air gets trapped within your roof, this melts the snow directly above it. When that melted snow drips down the roof, it will refreeze on cooler, lower areas. Ice dams can grow pretty large when they build up with each freeze-thaw cycle. When allowed to accumulate, all that ice and water can seep into your roofing system and lead to shingle damage, leaks, and even structural damage.
Contact Allstar Construction for Attic Ventilation Services
If you have noticed any of these signs of roof damage, get in touch with Allstar today. We can start you off with a free estimate online or call us at 701-315-8150.
