Wondering why your roof should be ventilated, especially during winter? We got the answers for you.
Roof ventilation is as important in the winter as it is in the summer. During summer, most homeowners turn on their air conditions to regulate the temperatures in their houses. The AC systems use energy which adds up to your electricity bill, especially when your roof isn’t well ventilated. The roof vents make your house comfortable and habitable. They also supply your house with quality air.
Poor attic ventilation can damage your roof and reduce its lifespan. It can also affect the comfort of your house. Roof vents free excess moisture from the attic during the winter. Some of the most common roof ventilation solutions include;
- Intake vents including; under-eave vents, rafter vents, and gable vents
- Exhaust vents, including; turbine vents and ridge vents
- Attic ventilation fans that provide mechanical ventilation
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Why Should You Ventilate Your Roof During Winter?
1. It Gives your roof a longer lifespan
Excess moisture can damage your roof, thus reducing its longevity. It also makes your house uncomfortable. When it’s cold outside, warm air from inside the house rises into the attic space and could affect your roof if it’s not well ventilated.
The moisture build-up in the attic leads to mold and mildew growth, shingle buckling, wood rot, and many other damages. It’s worth noting that mold growth can pose a health risk to those living in your house. Some people are very sensitive to mold and they could catch various allergic reactions like skin rash, red eyes and sneezing when they touch or inhale mold spores.
Additionally, if you store things in your attic space, you should ensure your roof is properly ventilated. If not, your valuables will be prone to damage by mold growth resulting from the moisture.
Furthermore, roof ventilation keeps rodents and pests at bay. These small animals and pest love excess moisture, especially during winter.
2. Prevents ice dams
If you live in places or regions that experience very cold temperatures and snow during the winter season, you should be familiar with ice bags. When warm air from inside your house combines with the heat from the sun, it causes the snow on your roof to melt and roll down, trying to find a cool place to settles. This is what is referred to as ice damming, and it is formed at the bottom edge of the roof and can be problematic if not addressed in time.
Ice dams can damage your gutters, roof, interior drywall, paint, and insulation. It can cause water leakage inside the attic, thus creating a recipe for mold and mildew growth. If you start spotting stains on your ceiling, just know your roof is poorly ventilated, and it’s at risk of damage.
However, you can fix this problem by properly ventilating your roof. The vents let out the warm air before it melts the snow or ice on your roof.
3. Lower energy costs
When the temperatures are very cold, most people will turn on their AC to feel their houses with some warmth. However, if the temperatures are extremely cold, the AC systems will have to work extra hard to regulate the indoor temperatures. The systems use electricity, and the more they are strained, the more energy they consume, which adds up to your energy bills. Besides, the performance of your HVAC system can be diminished if you continually strain them.
However, a well-ventilated roof can help to control the temperatures in your house. Your air conditioners won’t overwork, and your utility bills will be much lower.
Roof ventilation is very important, especially during the winter season. It helps prevent ice damming, a condition that causes damage to roofs, drywalls and your attic space. Proper attic ventilation also prevents mold growths that could damage and reduce the longevity of your roof.
