Top 5 Attic Venting Concerns for Kansas City Roofing Customers

The Roof Assembly Ventilation Coalition (RAVC) has prepared a helpful brochure (click to download) about the “Top 5 Attic Ventilation Homeowner Concerns.” The brochure promotes the many benefits of attic ventilation, which is an important concern when you’re having a new roof installed on your home.

There are four main reasons to ventilate your attic:

Reduce Heat Gain and Reduce Energy Bills in the Summer

Radiant heat from the sun warms the roof and radiates into the attic. If not properly vented out, it could radiate into the living space affecting the comfort level inside the house and contributing to higher utility bills (because appliances such as fans/refrigerators/air conditioners may have to work harder to keep your home cooler).

Reduce Moisture and Condensation in the Winter

In northern climates, heated air from the home escapes into the attic through openings in the walls or ceilings (such as recessed lights, electrical chases, the attic access door, etc.). Some of this moisture vapor rises to the colder/dryer attic where it can potentially condense if not properly vented. If it condenses, it could dampen the attic insulation (which could weaken the R-value of the insulation), contributing to wood rot, mold, mildew and poor indoor air quality.

Fight Ice Dams

Ice Dams are formed when in winter conditions, heated air from the home migrates into the unheated attic through the ceiling, under insulated areas and through bypasses, such as light fixtures or exhaust systems found in kitchens and bathrooms. This creates warm areas on the roof and unevenly melts the underside of the snow that has accumulated on the roof. The melted snow flows down the roof until it reaches a colder spot, such as the eaves, where it refreezes, forming a back up of ice commonly called an ice dam. The ice dam is a result of energy loss from inside the house, which could cost a homeowner hundreds of dollars or more. It could also lead to rotted roofs and rafters, ruined insulation, moisture inside the walls, mold and peeling paint. Proper attic ventilation can help prevent the conditions that contribute to ice dams.

Prolongs the Service Life of the Building Materials

Finally, the shingles and decking of your roofing system may deteriorate prematurely due to heat and excessive moisture buildup. By reducing the surface temperature of the shingles and the existence of moisture on the underside of the decking by properly ventilating the attic space, a homeowner may be able to extend the life of both of these materials.

Check out the brochure to learn more about proper ventilation of your attic. Roofing Man Chris Hosch is an expert at attic ventilation and will ensure proper ventilation of your attic space while repairing or replacing your roof.

For all your residential roofing needs in the Kansas City Metro area, or to receive a free quote, contact the Roofing Man via our online contact form, or call owner Chris Hosch at 913-381-2940 for a free consultation.