Poor ventilation in attic space is one of the main causes of ice dams. And if you have an ice dam, you probably are paying too much for energy use, because you’re warming the attic as well as the interior of your home. Not only is this costly, it can create problems for your roof and your home structure as well. How do you know if you have sufficient air circulation in your attic? A roof inspection can be revealing. In most cases, inadequate air flow in your attic space will result in telltale evidence on your roof. A good roofing professional will be able to spot the signs. Keep in mind that some things do not necessarily indicate ventilation problems; they may simply be indicators of an old deteriorating or damaged roof. Here are some things to look for:
Shingles that are curled or buckling. Shingles on old roofs will do this as well, but if your roof is younger than 10 years old, this could be an indicator of a warm attic. Transient ceiling leaks. Wet or damp ceilings that come and go may not be due to a roof leak, although you may have a hidden leak you’re not aware of. Apparent leaks can also be caused by condensation from warm, wet air trapped in your attic. If left untended, this will eventually lead to mildew and even black mold, a toxic substance that is becoming a growing concern and could result in major damage to your home that your insurance may not cover. If you spot any signs of mold or mildew in your attic, contact a roofing contractor experienced in roofing ventilation. Mold and mildew should not be ignored. Ice dams. A warm attic means warm shingles, which means snow melt in the winter. When the melting snow hits the cold edge of the roof, it freezes, causing roof-damaging and leak-causing ice dams.
There are a number of things that can be done to correct insufficient attic ventilation, and Iron River Construction can recommend the best solution for your home. If you suspect that air is not circulating properly in your attic space, call today for a free assessment. Iron River Construction serves Minneapolis and the greater Minnesota area with roofing and other home remodeling services.
