The Need for Attic Ventilation

The key to a durable, energy-efficient home is the combination of insulation and proper attic ventilation working together to control air flow. Proper ventilation can help prevent damage and premature aging of your roof caused by moisture in the winter and excess heat in the summer. Effective attic ventilation provides year-round benefits for all types of roofing systems. In today's blog, your Lake of the Ozarks roofer will address some common issues caused by poor ventilation in your attic:

Photo From: Owens Corning Website  
Ventilation Helps Prevent Damage 


Due to more efficient building materials in new and remodeled homes, buildings don't "breathe" as easily as they used to. Therefore, homes need to have proper ventilation to reduce damage to the roof and the building. Proper ventilation will help allow outside air to flow naturally upward and out of the attic, promoting a cool, dry attic. Improper ventilation can cause shingles to deteriorate prematurely, as well as cause other damage to your home. Additionally, your roofing warranty could be significantly reduced or even become void without proper ventilation. Be sure to follow the shingle manufacturer's venting requirements to avoid any issues.

Ventilation in the Summer


During the hot summer months we experience here at the Lake of the Ozarks, attic heat can build up easily. An overheated attic, combined with moisture (Missouri can get very humid in the summer.), can cause a number of problems including damage to roof decking and shingles. Heat that's absorbed in the attic can also radiate into other areas of the home. This can make the house uncomfortable, causing the air conditioning system to work harder. As a result, you could see your utility bills rise. The primary purpose of ventilation during warm weather is to expel hot air from the attic or roof to reduce cooling load and relive the strain on air conditioning systems.

Photo From: Owens Corning Website

Ventilation in the Winter 


The primary purpose of ventilation during cold weather is to vent any moisture and also maintain a cool roof temperature to avoid ice dams created by melting snow. During the winter months, moisture can easily build up in the attic. Due to the excess moisture, mold and mildew can develop and wood can rot, leading to poor indoor air quality. Condensation can also cause the roof deck to swell, resulting in buckled shingles. In addition, severe condensation can drip onto the insulation, decreasing its effectiveness too. You don't want to rely on ventilation alone to reduce moisture in your attic though; other ways to control the moisture in your attic include sealing any air leaks and making sure your basement and crawl space are dry.

In order for effective ventilation to occur, ventilation components must be correctly sized and positioned to provide constant air flow, moving in a constant direction, throughout the entire attic area. Let us help you optimize airflow in your attic with Owens Corning roofing products. Above & Beyond Roofing is proud to be an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred roofing contractor at the Lake of the Ozarks! For more information on how we can help with all your roofing needs, give us a call at 573-302-0354 today!

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