Attic ventilation is an important part of a roof’s design. Poor ventilation traps heat and moisture coming from the house, which can lead to problems that ultimately result in damage to the roof. In today’s post, the local roofing and siding contractors at Ken Morton & Sons share a look at attic ventilation, and the problems that arise from poor ventilation.
You’re probably wondering about your attic’s ventilation situation. Fortunately, this is something you can check for yourself. Upon climbing into the attic, take note of how the air feels inside. Trapped heat and moisture will make attic temperature and humidity significantly warmer and more humid compared to outdoor levels.
Another sign is the lack of airflow coming through the soffit vents. A properly ventilated attic should have ridge vents that release warm and humid air. The resulting negative pressure should then take in cool and fresh air through the soffit vents. Lacking these, roof repairs may have to be performed to correct this problem.
The following are some of the most common problems caused by poor attic ventilation.
Rust — Trapped moisture can collect on metal components like nails and fasteners, which can cause them to fail. Rusty nail heads usually cause “bleeding” streaks, caused by rust mixing with water droplets.
Shortened roof life span — Heat and moisture can cause dry rot on structural components, which are typically made of wood.
Increased wear on the AC — Trapped heat in the attic can radiate back indoors, which could increase air conditioning workload. In addition to the additional strain, it can result in higher utility costs.
Ice dams — An attic with poor insulation can let heat radiate through the roof during winter, which can melt the snow on top of the roof and eventually lead to ice dams.
Mold and mildew — A warm and humid environment encourages mold and mildew growth, which can trigger allergies and other respiratory illnesses, as well as cause damage to the walls and ceiling.
Searching online for “roofers near me”? Call Ken Morton & Sons at Give us a call at (856) 582-8800. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Sewell, NJ, and the surrounding communities.