Roof Shingle Warranties and Ventilation

Getting a new roof is a costly and time consuming process. If you’re like most people, it’s one you only intend to live through once – at least on one home. That’s why you take your time and choose shingles that have long warranties and, as a result, longer life expectancies.

But, did you know that there are things you can do that will void the warranty on your shingles? Make sure you know about these warranty killers before you have your next roof installed.

Improper Ventilation

The bottom line, when it comes to getting a new roof is that shingles installed on a roof that lacks proper ventilation will not last as long as those installed on a properly ventilated roof. Adequate ventilation can easily add ten years or more to the life of a roof and many manufacturers’ warranties on shingles are simply void without it.

What’s the big deal about ventilation?

In a home without adequate attic ventilation, the heat collects in the attic, which then becomes a pressure cooker of sorts, cooking the shingles on the roof directly above it. It’s not just heat that becomes trapped, though, it’s moisture too. The combination literally rots the roof of your home within leaving shingles to curl, crumble, and sometimes literally fall apart.

Exhaust vents positioned at critical locations within your roofing system allow hot air to flow out so that cooler air can prevail in your attic space. Attic fans cool hot attics and push hot air outside. This is not only good for the lifespan of your roof, but also makes it more comfortable to live inside your home and can help to extend the life of your air conditioning unit since it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your house cool.

Installing Your New Roof over an Existing Roof

You must remove your existing shingles before installing a second layer of shingles. Otherwise, you run the risk of bulges and other problems that could cause some shingles or areas of your roof to wear faster than others.

Improper Installation

The other primary concern you face when it comes to voiding shingle warranties is the installation of your roof. Always work with a reputable contractor and, even then, ask for references or photographs of past work and reports from happy customers.

Proper attic ventilation, including an attic fan to help draw cool air in while driving warm air out, may be the single most important thing you can do as a homeowner to extend the life of your new roof, while also ensuring warranty compliance.

Consult with your roofing contractor if you have questions or concerns about the right roofing choices for your home and for the shingles you’ve selected. Consult with us here at WholeHouseFan.com to learn more about the Quiet Cool AFG ES 1500 attic fan.