Often, the attic is a forgotten part of the house. However, maintaining proper ventilation in the area is essential to keeping your living space warm in winter and cool in summer. Poor airflow in the attic is usually associated with increased energy costs and discomfort.
A local roofing service provider explains why sufficient attic ventilation is crucial in winter.
How Does Attic Ventilation Work in the Winter?
Vents allow air to flow freely in and out of your attic to maintain moderate temperatures and eliminate excess humidity. Sufficient ventilation is vital to your year-round comfort. It helps reduce condensation in your attic, preventing moisture-related issues like mold growth and rot. Another thing it does is reduce the likelihood of ice dams that can damage your roof.
What Are the Consequences of Poor Attic Ventilation in Winter?
Ice Dams
Heat can get trapped in your attic if it has insufficient ventilation. In winter, it will cause snow on the upper areas of the roof to melt faster and drip to the edges where it will refreeze and form ice dams. These ice formations can cause water to seep beneath the shingles and leak inside your home.
Increased Energy Costs
Inadequate attic ventilation can lead to higher energy costs. It will prevent warm, humid air from escaping your home. As a result, your HVAC system will work harder to meet your heating demands. The added load on your equipment will cause it to consume more energy, increasing your utility bills.
Structural Damage
Besides mold and rot, poor ventilation can cause structural damage to your home. This problem is costly to repair and can weaken the walls and ceilings. It’s one of the last things you want to happen in your home because it can risk your family’s safety. With proper ventilation, you will save on home and roof repair costs.
Not Comfortable
Proper insulation and ventilation are necessary to maintain indoor comfort, especially during the colder months. Without them, you will find it hard to keep consistent temperatures in the rooms below.
What Are the Types of Attic Ventilation?
There are several types of attic ventilation you can use for your home. Among them are ridge vents that run along the roof’s ridges. Soffit vents work in tandem with baffle vents, which professionals install along roof rafters. Moreover, an experienced roofer can determine the ideal vents for your attic.
Turn to Fields Roof Service, Inc. for quality roofing solutions. Our team will inspect your attic and recommend the best route to keep your spaces comfortable and energy-efficient no matter the season. We are a trusted residential roof service company in the area. Call us at (253) 852-4974 or fill out our online form to get a quote.
