You may have given some thought to the insulation in your attic, but what about its ventilation? They are both equally important to have. Proper ventilation not only helps your roof have a lengthy life, it also helps to keep your energy costs low and protects your home from damage.  

Air Flow 

When your attic is ventilated it helps get rid of stale air and replace it with fresh air. It will also remove excess heat and moisture which is damaging to your home. It is imperative to keep the air in your attic at the same temperature and humidity level with each changing season. Your roof should have soffits or eaves to take in fresh air, and a ridge or top peak to expel stale air. A balance of intake and exhaust is essential for a well performing system.  

Summer Issues 

If your attic is poorly ventilated, it can cause your attic to become super-heated. This warms your whole house up and your energy bills will increase as your air conditioning works harder to cool your house. The lifespan of your roof is also affected as the shingles become fried from the excess heat. You may also begin to see walls, door frames, and the wood in your attic warp from the heat.  

Winter Issues 

In the winter, you may begin to see issues due to excess moisture in the air. A lack of ventilation causes excess moisture from cooking, showers, and your dryer to get trapped in your attic and condense. This condensation has nowhere to go but down onto your insulation which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Your roof decking may also begin to absorb the moisture causing it to bend from the weight and rot.  

Ice damming is another potential issue in winter. Ice damming is the formation of icicles on the edge of your roof and gutters. It’s caused when the heat from your attic and sun melt the snow and ice on your roof, which then drips down into your gutters and the edge of your roof. There it may refreeze, causing icicles to form. Ice damming can cause damage to your roof and leaks inside your home.  

Protect your home from temperature extremes, potential mold growth, and roof and home repairs by having a well-ventilated attic. Schedule a free in-house consultation or give us a call at (248) 393-0055 to check the ventilation in your attic. We are licensed, fully insured, have been serving local residents for 35 years.