Between You and the Sky: A Roofing Website

After noticing the condition of your home's shingled roof has deteriorated, you may have decided to have it replaced. Along with replacing the shingles and plywood decking, you may be wondering if there is any other work that should be done to help ensure the longevity of the new roof.

If so, you may want to consider speaking with the roofing contractor about adding ventilation. There are a couple of reasons why adding proper ventilation is important for the health of your home's shingled roof.

1. Keeps Warmth and Moisture under the Roof and in the Attic to a Minimum to Help Prevent Rot and Mold Growth

One reason why proper ventilation is needed for a shingled roof is that it helps to keep warmth and moisture under the roof and in the attic to a minimum. As heat and steam rise from the rest of the house, they can become trapped underneath the roof, which is compounded by exterior radiant heat from the sun and outside humidity levels.

Since heat and moisture have no place to go, they can contribute to mold growth and create conditions that make the undersides of the roof decking rot. However, when vents and an attic fan are installed, the free-flowing air keeps the heat and humidity levels down to help prevent these issues.

2. Reduces the Chances of Ice Dams Forming on the Roof during and after Winter Storms

If your home's roof has an issue with ice dams forming during and after winter storms blow through your area, proper ventilation can help reduce the chances that they will form. Ice dams happen when the snow and ice from winter storms start to melt during the day from the heat inside your home and the sun's warmth and refreeze as the temperatures drop at night.

As this melting and refreezing occur, the water runs down to the edges of the roof and accumulates to form ice dams. With proper ventilation, the air above and below the roof remains closer to the same temperature to help minimize the melting phase that leads to the dams.

When having work done on your home's roof, incorporating proper ventilation can help prevent deterioration of the decking and wooden structures under the roof and in the attic by reducing the amount of warmth and moisture that contribute to mold growth and rotting. Ventilating your roof can also help prevent ice dams from forming in the winter and causing damage to the shingles. For more information about ventilation options for your home's roof, contact a roofing contractor in your area such as Commercial Solutions, Inc.