You don’t need to be a roofing expert to know how much of an effect moisture accumulation can have on the roof of your home, or just how important the ventilation components are to a healthy roofing system. But are you aware of the fact that the proper ventilation of a roof will not only protect it from water damage, but that ventilation actually helps extend the lifespan of a roof as well?
Believe it or not, without adequate ventilation, the moisture from heat and water in your house would rise up to the top of your roof and deteriorate the structure, eventually resulting in expensive damage to your home. The accumulation of excess moisture for example, can cause the loosening or warping of the roof’s shingles, and even further water damage beyond the shingles could actually put the wooden structural support in danger of warping and buckling as well. Therefore, it is absolutely essential for a roof to be installed with the proper ventilation, and maintained on the regular basis in order to prevent any such water damage from occurring.
The process of ventilation is simply the constant movement of air which prevents the accumulation of moisture between the roof and the attic, and the roof’s ventilating system is made up of both intake and exhale vents, accompanied by other various ceiling fans, vents, and ridge vents in the home and attic.
Ventilation is key when it comes to maintaining the roof’s longevity, and works most effectively when the intake vents are sized appropriately and positioned correctly along the layer of the roofing system called the sheathing. As the seasons change, so then does the purpose of intake vents of a ventilation system; for example, in the summer, the direction of the airflow causes the heat to escape before radiating to the attic floor, while during the winter, the airflow from the intake vents along the sheathing results in the excess moisture being removed prior to it having the chance to condense and form frost. Thus without the proper ventilating system, your roof would be exposed to a variety of problems caused by an inadequate supply of airflow.
Additionally, a well maintained ventilation system helps to extend the lifespan of your roof by relieving some of the pressure from your home’s heating and cooling systems, because if your HVAC system expends less energy, then your roof’s structural support will be under less stress as well. Remember, there are certain standards and regulations which must be met in terms of the type and amount of ventilation used throughout your home, attic, and roof, so as to get the safest and efficient results.
Similarly, if you happen to notice any indication of a failure in your ventilation system, such as mold in the attic or water stains along the ceiling or roof, it is imperative for you to seek immediate inspection and repair from your local expert roofer before any more damage results in a safety hazard. However, with the appropriate amount of attention and the correct installation in the beginning, your roof’s ventilation system will likely prevent any major water damage from occurring.
If you have questions about ventilation and how it can help your roof last longer, call Yorkshire Roofing today!