Improper attic ventilation is one of the major causes of roof damage, not to mention mold build-up on the interior of your home. Current news reports have highlighted the growing problem of a strain called “black mold”, which is not only highly toxic and can cause potentially life-threatening health conditions, but it can also lead to structural deterioration.
The main thing that results from insufficient air flow within your attic space is a build-up of warm, moist air. This is the perfect environment for mold development. And a warm attic warms the roof above it. In addition to mold formation, a warm, wet attic space can cause:
Premature shingle damage. That warm, damp air within your attic will try to find a way out as it rises, and usually the main path of escape is through small cracks and gaps the underlying structure of the roof, and from there to the outside, passing between sections of shingles. This can cause lifting and curling, providing an entry for water, insects, and rodents. Ice dam formation. Ice dams form when snow melts on the top of the roof where it’s warmed by the attic air underneath; it freezes at the cold roof edge. Ice dams cause not only roof and and structural damage, they can lead to water leaks within your home.
So how do you know whether your attic is properly ventilated? There are things you can check for in your attic and on the exterior of your roof.
Is your attic warm in the winter? It shouldn’t be, unless it is an insulated space you are using for living areas. An uninsulated attic should have sufficient ventilation to be cool in colder months. Excessively hot attics in the spring and summer can also be a sign that your attic space doesn’t get good air flow. The rising warm air is trapped there, keeping the warmer air in the floors below. That means higher cooling bills. Do you notice any mold or mildew on the structural surfaces or storage items in your attic space? That’s either a sign of a roof leak or inadequate ventilation or both. If your roof is less than 10 years old, look for curling or buckling shingles. While these could be signs of improper installation, they are also an indicator of improper attic air flow.
Insufficient air flow in an attic can be a result of several things. If you have an older home, it might not have been constructed with enough vents. Or if you do have soffit vents, they may be blocked or clogged by insulation. This is common in attics where insulation has been added.
If you suspect your attic ventilation needs some help, the best thing to do is to have a professional roof inspection. An experienced roofing professional such as Iron River Construction has been trained to detect attic insulation problems. We offer free inspections.
