Poor Attic Ventilation
Can Ruin Your Insulation,
Destroy Your Shingles, And Raise Your Energy Bills!
Why Take Risks?
It is estimated that 9 out of 10 homes in North
America do not have proper attic ventilation.
Why? Because most people are unaware that
attic ventilation can impact the longevity
of their entire home!
For example, in the summer, an improperly ventilated
attic can cause heat to build in excess of
160°F. This superheated air eventually
penetrates the ceiling insulation into the
living area below.
Types of damage that can result include:
•
Premature aging of your roofing system (“fried” shingles)
•
Warping, cracking, or breaking down of wood
framing
•
Damage to siding, exterior or interior paint,
and wallpaper
•
Higher energy costs
A properly ventilated attic can help reduce
the load on your air conditioner by moving
the superheated air out of your attic before
it builds up and causes damage.
In the winter, various household appliances,
bathtubs, showers, and cooking vapors can contribute
to excess moisture build-up. Improperly ventilated
attics will allow this moisture to collect
and cling to the underside of the roof. There,
it will condense and fall, soaking the attic
insulation and reducing its efficiency.
Additional structural damage can include:
•
Roof deck warping and rotting of the wood frame
•
Mildew growth
•
Buckling of shingles and felt
Finally, attics should be properly ventilated
to help prevent ice dams in cold northern climates.
During the winter, ice and snow on a roof will
melt and run down the deck to the cooler eaves.
This run-off can re-freeze, creating an ice
dam that will trap moisture on the roof. The
moisture can eventually back up under the shingles
and enter your home — causing hundreds
or thousands of dollars of damage to your ceilings
and walls. Adequate attic ventilation will
reduce the amount of initial melting that occurs
on your roof, thereby reducing the chance that
ice dams will form.
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