A roof is one of the most important components of any structure but is often not given much thought unless there is an issue. Fortunately, proper planning and inspections can ensure that you and everything housed underneath is protected. By having a professional assessment of your roof conducted, any potential issues can be noted and properly corrected before something happens.
There are many different types of roofing materials and each requires a different set of checks during an inspection but one constant remains despite these varying circumstances. Proper roof ventilation is one of the most important factors to consider whether your roof is part of a new construction or has been in place for years. Fortunately, any issues, regardless of age can be corrected by either initially installing the necessary vents or adding them in order to create the proper amount of air flow.
Typically, either attic or soffit vents can be placed in order to help maintain or increase the airflow, depending on the current situation. Attic vents are placed into the existing attic either on an available space or the roof itself. Soffit vents are installed underneath the eaves of a home and provide a similar function. Depending on the issue or where airflow needs to be increased, a decision can be made about which type or combination should be utilized to ensure the proper results, especially since improper ventilation can lead to a variety of damaging issues – including each of the following.
Added Heat
One of the vital roles of roofing insulation is to help keep a building energy efficient. While this remains a key aspect, if the area underneath a roof isn’t properly ventilated then maximum efficiency for the insulation cannot be reached. Even if a roof has adequate insulation installed, if the vents aren’t clear or installed then the building will retain an enormous amount of heat. In the summer especially, this can be a significant problem.
Even in the winter months, improper ventilation can cause other issues. While one may think heat entrapment would be a benefit at this point in the year, the opposite is not. Losing energy efficiency at any point in the year can wreak havoc on your power bill, while adding unnecessary wear and tear to your heating and cooling unit as well.
Shingle Failure
The situation of heat building up underneath a roof will also lead to shingle failure. Without the ability to cool underneath a shingled surface the build up can cause shingles to break down from underneath. If not properly ventilated, this can lead to bigger issues once the outside structure is tested.
If not performing as anticipated, the shingle could cause water damage during a rain storm or any number of other potential hazards. Making sure these areas are properly cooled and maintained with sufficient air flow helps to eliminate this worry.
Ice Dam Prevention
Another issue, especially prevalent in Denver and the surrounding areas is the prevention of ice dams. These occur when the eaves of a roof remain at below freezing temperatures but the warm air underneath a roof melts any build up of snowfall. However, instead of being able to move toward gutter systems and away from the home, freezing temperatures just above the gutters cause ice to build up and then block any runoff. Unfortunately, this can lead to pooling and potential water damage inside the walls or through the roof of a home.
Fortunately, increasing the air flow and ensuring that the attic area is well ventilated can help to keep the roof at a steady temperature and allow for an even melting of snow or ice to occur. This helps especially when temperatures warm during the day but then dip back below freezing at night. The pattern of thawing and refreezing can be hazardous to a roof and any steps to eliminate this damage causing issue should be followed.
Moisture Buildup
Similar to how basements can become damp and dingy without proper ventilation, the same can occur to an attic or space underneath the outer roof layer. While a dehumidifier may be used to help pull water from the air in a basement, proper ventilation to the area above ground can help eliminate any concerns.
This air flow helps to keep moisture from seeping up and causing damage to a structure. Many may not be familiar with the fact that a complete and thorough roof inspection involves more than just the outside parameters. Checking underneath is also just as important.
Dry Rot
Roof decking is the layer of materials between the inside of a home or building and the outside shingles or other covering. This is typically plywood for residential homes and is attached to the trusses underneath. Unfortunately, this wood can begin to dry rot if subjected to moisture build up from being exposed in an under ventilated area.
This puts the integrity of a roof in question and allows for other damages to occur easier. Not only will the weakened decking material allow for water to breach this outer barrier but it can also create a hole or holes if struck from the outside. Hail or any other falling debris could cause unwanted penetration into the home raising another issue altogether.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, quality service has been our priority in Denver and the surrounding area for years as we handle any and all roofing, gutter, or siding needs. Arvada Roofing and Construction has been completing roof installations, evaluations, and multiple other exterior household projects or associated services for nearly two decades. Their highly trained experts can provide an estimate on any repair, remodel, or now construction project, if needed, as well as any inspection you wish to have completed. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned about the effectiveness of your roof or already have an issue, we are here to help. Our certified and extremely knowledgeable staff is available to handle any construction or roofing job and provide a variety of other services such as seamless guttering systems, or any potential damage analysis thought to be caused by severe weather for the purposes of insurance reporting. Contact us today online or call 303-432-2753 for your free estimate on any of the above mentioned projects!