BLOG

• By Lukasz Hajdiuk
• In Roofing

What do you need to know about home roof ventilation?

How does insufficient ventilation cause your roof to rot?

Insufficient ventilation in a roof can cause the roof to rot in several ways. First, it can trap moisture inside the roof, which can then lead to the growth of mould and mildew. These organisms can weaken the structural integrity of the roof and cause it to rot. Second, a lack of ventilation can cause the temperature inside the roof to rise, which can cause the shingles to expand and contract. Over time, this can cause the shingles to crack and break, which can lead to leaks and further deterioration of the roof.

Additionally, poor ventilation can also cause condensation to form on the underside of the roof deck. This can lead to water damage and the growth of mould and mildew. Furthermore, it may also cause the insulation to become wet, which can reduce its effectiveness and potentially lead to mould growth. This can also cause the roof deck to rot.

Proper ventilation is important to keep the roof in good condition and to prevent it from rotting. A well-ventilated roof will have a balance of intake and exhaust vents, which will allow warm air and moisture to escape from the attic, while also allowing cooler and drier air to enter. This will help to keep the temperature and humidity levels inside the attic at a moderate level, which will prevent moisture from building up and causing the roof to rot.

Important relation between roof condensation and heating your house!

Roof condensation is a common issue that can occur in homes that are not properly insulated or ventilated. When warm, moist air from inside the home rises and comes into contact with a cold surface, such as the underside of the roof deck, it can cause condensation to form. This can lead to water damage, mould growth, and rot on the roof.

Heating a house can exacerbate the problem of roof condensation. During the winter months, the warm air inside the home can cause the temperature inside the attic to rise, which can cause the roof deck to become even colder. This temperature difference can cause more condensation to form, leading to more water damage and mould growth, forcing you to replace your roof.

To prevent roof condensation, it is important to properly insulate and ventilate the attic. This can be done by adding insulation to the attic floor and installing soffit vents and a ridge vent to allow for proper airflow. Additionally, it is important to maintain proper humidity levels inside the home. This can be done by using a dehumidifier or by ensuring that there is proper ventilation in the bathroom and kitchen, where moisture levels tend to be higher.

How to check if my roof has enough ventilation?

There are a few ways to check if your roof has enough ventilation:

1. Inspect the attic: Look for signs of mould or mildew, as well as any water damage. If you notice any of these issues, it is likely that your roof is not properly ventilated.
2. Check for vents: Look for vents on the roof, such as soffit vents, gable vents, or a ridge vent. These vents allow for proper airflow and help to keep the attic cool and dry. If you do not see any vents, or if they are blocked, your roof may not have enough ventilation.
3. Measure the temperature: Use a thermometer to measure the temperature in the attic. If the temperature is much higher than the outside temperature, it could indicate a lack of ventilation.
4. Check for ice dams: During the winter, check for ice dams on the roof. These are caused by a buildup of ice and snow and can be an indicator that the attic is not properly ventilated.
5. Hire a professional: If you are unsure about the ventilation in your roof, it is best to hire a professional roofing contractor to conduct an inspection. They will be able to assess the condition of your roof and determine if there are any issues with ventilation.

It is important to note that proper ventilation is crucial for the longevity of your roof, and also to maintain a healthy living environment. Lack of ventilation can lead to mould, mildew, rot and other serious issues. By inspecting your roof and taking the appropriate steps to improve ventilation, you can protect your home and ensure that it lasts for many years to come.

Use an Infrared Camera to asses your roof with professional

Inspecting your roof with a thermal camera survey is an effective way to detect leaks and other potential issues. A thermal camera works by detecting infrared radiation, which is emitted by all objects that have a temperature above absolute zero. The camera then converts this radiation into a visual image, which can be used to identify areas of the roof that are warmer or cooler than others.

When using a thermal camera to inspect a roof, you should look for areas of the roof that are warmer than the surrounding areas. These warm spots can indicate areas where heat is escaping from the interior of the home and can be indicative of a leak. Additionally, you should also look for areas of the roof that are cooler than the surrounding areas, as these can indicate areas where cold air is entering the home.

Another advantage of using thermal cameras is that it can detect moisture even if it’s hidden behind walls or ceilings. By identifying the areas of the roof that are cooler than the surrounding areas, thermal cameras can help identify areas where water is entering the home.

It is important to note that a thermal camera inspection should always be done by a professional, as they will have the necessary training and equipment to properly interpret the images and identify any potential issues.

Summary

In summary, Insufficient ventilation in a roof can trap moisture inside leading to mould and mildew, cause shingles to expand and contract, leading to leaks and deterioration, condensation on the underside of the roof deck, water damage, mould growth, and also reducing insulation effectiveness, all leading to rot in the roof. Proper ventilation is important to keep the roof in good condition.

Remember to hire a professional roofing company that can use thermal imaging to assess your roof and fix it before is too late.