Poor roof ventilation can make your air conditioner work harder leading to high energy bills, can cause condensation in the attic, and reduces the lifespan of your roof. Here are some ways which can help you to improve your roof ventilation.
Roofing ventilation fundamentals
Roof ventilation is a system that provides air circulation through intake and exhaust vents to maintain the right temperature inside your home. Without these vents, the hot air will remain trapped within your home leading to various issues for your property.
Therefore, the goal is to allow hot air to escape from the top of the roof, which is significantly supported if measures are taken to allow cooler air to enter from below. There are many ways which can improve roof ventilation to encourage the natural flow of hot air towards the top of the roof.
Steps to improve roof ventilation-
Determine the efficiency of your present ventilation
The first step is to do a thorough inspection to get an idea of the efficiency of your roof ventilation. Begin by examining the eaves of your roof. If you do not see vents installed in the soffits then there may be a possibility that there are no vents installed in your attic. If this is the case you should call a roofing professional to install them.
If you notice staining on soffits or any water build-up, it is a sign that the vents are clogged or dirty, resulting in the heat getting trapped. This can lead to moisture build-up which can harm the integrity of your soffits. You should also examine the attic by touching the ceiling, if it is hot to touch, it means that the excess heat is getting trapped which forces your air conditioner to work harder.
Finally, use a flashlight to look for any mildew or moisture on the ceiling, walls or any of your possessions, you can be sure that your attic is not allowing air to pass smoothly.
Install vents
In case you find there are no vents installed, you may want to get them installed first. For best results, vents should be placed near the roof’s peak and on the soffits near the eaves. This will ensure a stable stream of air inside your attic. As a result, the hot air will be pushed out through roof vents instead of radiating down through your home. Vents installation in these areas will help to keep the home cooler and prevent moisture build-up.
It is advisable to call a professional roofer to determine how many vents would be required according to the size of your attic.
Clean debris from the vents
It is important to carry out an inspection and cleaning of your attic at least once a year. You can DIY by passing a warm washcloth over the vent grates to remove any debris or built-up dirt. This will open up the airways thus allowing the hot air to escape and the cooler air to come in.
Also, make sure that you do not place any stack of boxes or large furniture in front of your vents. Blocking the vents can make the airflow restricted or completely cut off, resulting in poor ventilation.
If you are looking for the installation of new vents, or have a roof that needs repair, please contact Allegiant Roofing today. Our team of expert roofers will help you create an energy-efficient roof for your home.
