Roofs are essential to any structure, commercial or residential. That’s why you should ensure your roof is always in good condition. Although more attention is often paid to the surface of the roof and its materials, don’t forget to consider what goes underneath your roofing system too. That said, it is in your best interest to know the purpose of your attic and why ventilation is key to increasing the longevity of your roof.
In this post, trusted roofing contractor Deschutes Roofing shares more information about proper attic ventilation and why it’s good for your roof.
The Purpose of Your Attic
The attic is commonly used for storage, but the space is also crucial to managing the temperatures in your home. Warm air can rise to your attic from your home’s living spaces on the lower floors. If you have adequate ventilation in this part of your home, you won’t have to worry about the warm air seeping back into your living spaces. Since warm air can escape through the vents and fresh air can enter your attic, the heat won’t build up in the space and cause problems for your roof and indoor living spaces.
Attic Ventilation: How It Works and Why It’s Important
To understand how your attic ventilation works, it’s important to learn about the stack effect and wind effect.
The stack effect happens because warm air is lighter than cold air. When warm air rises to the attic, there is more pressure in the upper sections of the attic and less in the lower sections. This pressure difference lets warm air naturally exit through the upper areas and the cold air enter through the lower areas. That said, the air in your attic is cycled out by utilizing two types of vents:
- Intake vents – These vents allow cool air to enter the attic space and are generally located at the lowest part of the roof beneath the eaves or soffits.
- Exhaust vents – These vents allow hot air to escape and are generally placed at the peak of the roof.
Nevertheless, this isn’t enough to provide effective ventilation, and here is where the wind effect comes in handy. Since the stack effect can’t fully push out the trapped air in a continuous manner, the wind force is needed to assist the natural airflow within the attic. Areas with high and low air pressure are created by a wind-driven flow of air against and over a structure’s exterior. The air is forced into the attic by high pressure and then pulled out by low pressure.
To sum up, when warm air rises into the attic space, the intake vents beneath the eaves or soffits draw in the cold outdoor air. This cold air then pushes out the warm and humid air, which escapes through the exhaust vents placed at top of the roof. This natural air cycle is improved by the wind effect, which helps continuously push air in and out by having different pressures work with the stack effect. With this continuous airflow, your attic can remain in good condition and ensure your roof is properly vented.
Another way to improve air circulation within the attic is mechanical ventilation, which uses fans that rely on power sources to forcibly circulate air within your roofing system and prevent any temperature and moisture problems.
A good attic ventilation system will provide you with year-long benefits, and it’s especially good for your roofing system.
Common Attic Ventilation Problems in Summer
Cooler attics in summer can improve your home’s indoor temperature, reduce the strain on your HVAC system, boost your home’s energy efficiency and prevent your roofing system from sustaining heat-related damage.
If your attic is often dealing with excessive heat for extended periods, your HVAC system could suffer as it needs to increase its effort in adjusting your indoor temperatures to cool your living spaces. Problems with your cooling equipment could arise, and this could add to your discomfort during warm weather.
Apart from having a significant impact on your indoor comfort, heat buildup in your attic can also cause damaged or warped roofing. This is one of the most common problems in summer that sometimes require roof replacement as a solution.
Keep in mind that overheated attics pose a risk to your roof sheathing and shingles, which can warp and deteriorate and lead to more costly problems in the long run. Furthermore, when the heat inside your attic is paired with high levels of humidity and moisture, this can create the perfect environment for mold to grow and spread. Mold and mildew pose health hazards, and they can also affect your roofing components.
Common Attic Ventilation Problems in Winter
Keeping your attic dry during winter is important in preventing moisture-related problems. During this season, the warm air that rises to your attic needs to be properly cycled out. Otherwise, this could lead to condensation affecting your roofing system.
Ice dams could also be a problem resulting from poor attic ventilation. With good ventilation in your attic, the possibility of ice dams forming is eliminated.
Another common problem in winter caused by improper attic ventilation is the condensation that forms within the roofing system. This can lead to the swelling of your roof decking or the buckling and swelling of your shingles — issues that could easily compromise your roof and make it look unpleasant.
Condensation can also cause the wooden parts of your roof to rot. When these components weaken due to rot, they become unable to hold the weight of your roof. If your rafters develop rot, this could compromise structural support and create bigger problems for you.
Get a Roofing Quote Today!
Veteran-owned company Deschutes Roofing is a roof repair and replacement specialist that is trusted by local customers. We provide quality services and products. And with our skills and workmanship, we can confidently address all your roofing needs.
In need of our services? Fill out our contact form or call us via the following numbers: (541) 241-5720 (Bend), (503) 967-9590 (Portland), (541) 246-6860 (Eugene), (503) 468-7663 (Lake Oswego) or (503) 928-8750 (Beaverton).
