Signs of Improper Roof Ventilation and Poor Attic Ventilation

Having the right amount of attic ventilation can have a beneficial impact on the lifespan of your roof system, how much you pay for heating and cooling, and the wellbeing and comfort of your family. When your roof and attic ventilation are poor or even sub-par, it can manifest itself in a number of ways throughout your home, including the following.

High Utility Bills
Poor ventilation increases your HVAC system’s inefficiency. For instance, heat can seep into your living areas, causing your HVAC to work harder than it should. The result is higher utility bills, and even HVAC repair or maintenance bills from an overworked system.

Shingle Damage
A properly installed roof built with quality materials and with proper ventilation should last for two or three decades or more, even in harsh climates. But, while a roof has a finite lifespan, a sign of shingle damage indicates that you may have improper roof ventilation. So, if you see signs that some of your shingles are warping, cracking, or buckling, it could mean that your roof’s surface temperature gets too high or that there is moisture trapped between the shingles. Either way, it needs adequate ventilation to prevent further damage.

Ice Dams
Ice dams represent ice and snow deposits forming right along the roof’s edge. They form because of a melting and refreezing process that’s typically related to poor attic ventilation. When there is inadequate ventilation, a “too-warm” attic enables snow to melt on the roof, which then refreezes at the edge, causing an ice dam. Ice dams, when left alone, can cause damage to the interior structure of the home, including the walls and ceiling.

Attic Moisture
Your attic should be dry when properly ventilated. But without appropriate ventilation, it can trap moisture, and cause mold and mildew to grow, when warm, moist air from showering and cooking rises to the attic and is unable to escape. And, if you notice frost on the underside of your attic decking, it’s also a sure sign of a ventilation and/or insulation problem.

Peeling or Blistering Paint
Are you noticing areas in your home where paint is blistering or peeling? This could be the result of excess humidity or high temperatures from lackluster ventilation.

One of the best home improvement projects that you can do is to properly ventilate your attic since it essentially has a house-wide impact. It not only enables you to save money on your heating and cooling, it can help prevent damage to your roof and prevent mold and mildew. It’s an all around win-win situation that you can easily achieve through installation of an attic fan.

Get in touch with us here at WholeHouseFan.com at 1-661-775-5979  if you suspect you have poor attic ventilation and learn about your attic fans and whole house fans options.