A new roofing job may cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 and might only last 12 to 15 years; this can be very aggravating to homeowners. Inferior roofing products may be to blame for premature roof failure is some situations; however inadequate attic ventilation may be the cause in many cases. The standards for roof ventilation that we use today were adopted in the 1930s; therefore, many homes are under-ventilated.
If you think about it, energy efficiency and attic ventilation may seem to be at odds with each other. To have an energy efficient home we want to seal out as much air as possible to prevent heat loss; this however results in continuously recycled air. An air filtration system can help purify recycled air, but an energy-efficient home seals in moisture along with the air. This can result in mold problems, condensation on windows and wood rot and ice dams that can lead to roof failure.
Roof ventilation should be a major concern to any homeowner thinking about having a new roof installed. The average household produces from four to five pounds of water vapor every day and in a poorly ventilated home, this water vapor has no way to escape. Therefore, it condenses on the underside of the plywood sheeting of the roof. This condensation causes the plywood to expand, buckle and warp. The entire roof is then compromised, resulting in a roofing system that fails before it should.
A proper attic ventilation system consists of an intake and an exhaust; this system works somewhat like a fireplace. When the warm air rises it creates a slight suction at the intake vents; the cooler air that comes through the intake vents removes the excess heat from the underside of the sheeting as it moves through the exhaust vents. This ongoing cycle regulates the temperature in the attic, preventing condensation and prolonging the life of your roof.
There are many choices when it comes to roof ventilation; turbine ventilators work well but are not pretty to look at, and they become difficult to maintain as they get older. Dormer vents are another option; they are easily installed and can be located at the rear of the home where they will not be seen. Proper attic ventilation may mean the difference in a roof that has a long lifespan and one that fails quickly. When you think about how much a new roof costs, a few hundred dollars to make sure your attic is ventilated properly is a small price to pay.
