Construction & Contractors Blog
If you're putting new insulation in your attic, especially blown insulation, be careful that you don't block the soffit vents that allow air to circulate under your roof. You may need to put baffles in your attic so air can circulate freely. Even then, you might need to improve the ventilation in your attic to help your roof have a longer life. Here's a look at why attic ventilation is important and what a roofing contractor can do if your attic needs more air circulation.
Why Attic Ventilation Is Necessary
Attic ventilation usually happens passively. Roofs usually have vents in the soffit and vents on the ridge of your roof. Air comes in the soffit vent and exits the roof ridge vents. Even though it might still get hot in your attic, the air circulation keeps your roof from heating up too much.
If your roof gets too hot, the asphalt shingles might blister or curl up on the ends. This can shorten the life of your roof. Poor circulation is bad for your roof in the summer and winter. In the winter, the heat trapped in your attic can melt snow that then refreezes and creates an ice dam that forces moisture under the shingles.
How To Tell If Your Attic Needs More Vents
One thing you can do is look at your shingles for signs of damage. If they show signs of heat damage, then you may want to talk to a roofing contractor about the need for improved ventilation.
A roofing contractor can probably tell by looking at your shingles if your attic has a ventilation problem, but they can also perform calculations to figure out exactly how much ventilation your roof needs. Then you'll know for sure if your roof needs some work.
How A Roofing Contractor Can Add More Vents
If your roof already has soffit and ridged vents, your roofer might recommend putting a turbine vent on your roof. You've probably noticed these vents on other roofs. They spin and pull air out of the attic so ventilation is increased. By making sure your attic has proper air circulation, you can help your roof have a longer life and your shingles might need fewer repairs.
Whether your roof is old or new, it needs ventilation during all seasons of the year. Homes are usually built with roof ventilation in mind, but it never hurts to double-check with a roofer when you suspect your shingles are suffering from heat damage or ice dams.
Share27 December 2020
Have you ever driven past a large building that was still under construction? You may have stopped for a moment and admired the steel trusses and the heavy concrete blocks used to form and support such a large architectural creation. Here's a secret: construction workers do the same. Workers in this industry never cease to be amazed at what they can create from seemingly boring materials. Concrete turns into a school. Steel turns into a doctor's office. It really is incredible. You may not feel quite as amazed as you read about construction on this blog, but if you get at least a fraction of that wondered, amused feeling, we will be satisfied.
