4 Negative Side Effects of Improper Roof Ventilation

Water is one of the most hazardous substances when it comes to the condition of your home's roof. Differences between indoor and outdoor temperatures could lead to condensation on the exposed roofing materials in your attic.

Over time, this condensation accumulates and begins to rot away the exposed wood. Other problems you might have to deal with if improper ventilation is leading to condensation in your attic is the growth of toxic mold and mildew.

Have a roofing contractor install additional intake vents to combat condensation. These intake vents will draw more air into your attic space, helping to keep air moving through the space so that moisture-laden air can escape out your exhaust vents.

Another serious problem you may have to contend with if your roof isn't ventilated properly is thermal shock. As your shingles are exposed to the sun throughout the day, they can become very hot. Vents in your roof help to keep air continually circulated on the underside of the roofing materials to dispel some of this heat.

When your roof doesn't have enough ventilation, the heat from the sun is completely absorbed by your shingles. This heat absorption causes the shingles to expand. Once the sun sets and outdoor temperatures drop, your shingles will rapidly contract in response to the sudden temperature change. These expansions and contractions can cause your shingles to crack and deteriorate more quickly than they should.

Have additional vents installed in your roof to prevent the costly shingle damage caused by thermal shock.

Because improper ventilation can lead to an accumulation of moisture on the surface of your roof, you may find your home being invaded by pests.

Destructive pests like termites, mice, raccoons, and various bird species will be attracted by the water source that exists in your poorly vented attic space. Termites can weaken the structure of your home by eating away at support beams and framing materials. Mice and raccoons build nests within your attic space, creating a fire hazard in your home. Bird excrement can be extremely acidic and cause your shingles to deteriorate.

By making sure that your roof is properly vented, you can help deter pests from being attracted to moist roofing materials and finding their way into your home.

Your home's roofing system is made up of many different metal components. There are nails holding the underlayment in place, fasteners connecting shingles to your roof decking, and flashing protecting seams and inserts from water damage.

Since improper ventilation can lead to a buildup of moisture on your roof, ventilation problems put the metal components of your roofing system at risk of developing rust. Rust can weaken metal roofing materials and cause them to fail.

Corroded metal components can become a source of serious water leakage, so it's important that you maintain good ventilation to prevent rust from becoming a problem in the future.

Cal Roofing Systems Inc. is prepared to help you protect your home with proper roof ventilation. Fill out this form to receive a free estimate, and we can determine the best way to meet your roof's ventilation needs.