Aside from material, installation, and maintenance, ventilation can influence your roof’s lifespan. It is also crucial to maintaining good indoor air quality and comfort. Without adequate airflow in your attic, various issues can arise that can threaten your roof’s longevity and your home’s overall health.
Here are six consequences of poor roof ventilation.
1. Mold and Mildew
A humid attic makes the ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. Besides compromising the roof’s structural integrity, they can harm your family’s health. Mold produces spores that can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Ensuring sufficient attic ventilation goes a long way in protecting the well-being of your loved ones.
2. Roofing Corrosion
Moisture and humidity can corrode essential roofing components, such as nails and fasteners. Remember that metal roofing systems rely heavily on these parts.
3. Roof Decking Damage
Excessive moisture can weaken the roof decking by degrading the adhesives that keep the material together. When this happens, the stability of the entire roofing system could suffer.
4. Reduced Roof Shingle Life
Temperatures in your attic can rise due to inadequate ventilation. Various roofing components, including shingles, could deteriorate faster due to excessive heat and moisture. Maintaining good airflow in your attic can help maximize the service life of your roof.
5. Increased Energy Costs
Are your energy bills rising? An insufficiently ventilated roof and attic could be to blame. The accumulated heat from your attic will cause your HVAC system to work harder than it should. As a result, your utility costs will increase. It can also place unnecessary stress on the equipment, making it more susceptible to malfunctions.
6. Roof Ice Dams
Ice dams are another issue a poorly ventilated attic can cause. It occurs when the snow on the upper, warmer areas of your roof melts and refreezes on the edges. This ice formation can damage the interior and exterior structures of your roof.
At Deschutes Roofing, we can help you avoid these damage issues with our reliable insulation and ventilation services.
Our team will carefully assess your space to determine if additional venting or insulation is necessary. Call us at (541) 313-5944 (Bend), (503) 967-9590 (Portland), (541) 246-6860 (Eugene), (503) 468-7663 (Lake Oswego) or (503) 928-8750 (Beaverton). You can also complete our online form to request an estimate.