Florida roofs with poor ventilation can cause severe damage to your home or business. Insufficient ventilation means damage caused by condensation, severe heat, rusting, mold and other external factors caused by the harsh Florida environments can become worse at a faster rate.
Ensuring your roof is adequately ventilated is essential to avoid long-term damage. It’s also essential to get your roof inspected by a professional on a regular basis to identify any signs of damage.
Keep reading to learn the effects & signs of poor roof ventilation:
Roof Deterioration
Over time heat buildup, condensation and mold can damage the very structure of your roof. This damage can involve wood warping, which will weaken the structure of your roof. When roof materials undergo this damage, they can bow out and begin sagging. Sagging will change the shape of your roof, but your roof will eventually start leaking and fall apart.
Moisture Buildup
Insufficient ventilation can cause significant issues that can shorten the lifespan of your roof. Your roof is exposed to heat and excess moisture that causes the roof decking to rot. This can cause damage to the roof shingles and underlayment. Another side effect of improper ventilation is mold buildup. Without ventilation, there is a difference in temperature between the indoors and the outdoors. This produces condensation. Over time, condensation can attract pests and mold in the roof’s shingles.
Thermal Shock
Sufficient ventilation is necessary to prevent your house from heating up. Improper ventilation can cause heat from sunlight to enter your home and really turn up the heat. The temperature in your house will rise, and your air conditioner will have to work extra hard to cool down your home. This will increase your home’s energy consumption, and can even cause your a/c to break. A big no-no in Florida!
Rusting
Another common roofing problem that will require roof rot repair is rust. Rusting is another result of poor attic ventilation. No matter what roofing material, your roof is composed of many metal components that hold it together. If your attic is not ventilated, these metal components can start rusting. Rust will weaken the foundations of your roof and will eventually cause it to fail. If this is the case, you will require a roof replacement.
Hot or Cold Areas in The Home
Have you ever felt a noticeable increase in temperature when you walk up the stairs or from room to room? This is another sign of poor roof ventilation. Extremely hot or cold areas in the home is a sign that your heating, cooling and ventilation systems are not keeping up with the demand.
2 Types of Roofing Ventilation Options
Natural Ventilation – Hot air rises within a home and creates pressure in the attic. If this high-pressure air is given an outlet to escape, it will automatically be replaced by cool, low-pressure air. By installing various types of roof vents, homeowners can take advantage of natural air flow to provide proper roof ventilation and keep the inside of the home comfortable. Natural ventilation can also be achieved through doors, windows and other gaps.
Mechanical Ventilation – For some structures, it may be necessary to use a system of mechanical vents. This type of roofing ventilation requires a power source to provide constant air flow. Mechanical roofing ventilation options are necessary if the design of the roof doesn’t allow much air flow or the home is in an area without much wind.
Benefits of Proper Roof Ventilation
Save Energy Costs – Poor ventilation can lead to rising temperatures in the attic, which spill over to the rest of the home. This leads to high electricity bills, inconsistent heating and cooling within the home and puts more burden on your HVAC units.
Keep Your Home Healthier & More Comfortable – Improper roof ventilation can lead to mold and mildew build up, which can not only damage your roof but pose health risks to your family. Additionally, you won’t have to deal with temperature changes within the home when you follow proper roof ventilation tips.
Prolong The Life of Your Roof – Poor roof ventilation can cause damage and lead to a shorter lifespan for your roof.
Have you noticed signs your roof ventilation needs to be inspected? Contact our team of professional roofers at Johnson Roofing Solutions! Johnson Roofing Solutions provides free estimates AND financing to homes and businesses across the panhandle of Florida with clear and honest expectations for every roofing job. We have offices in Panama City, Chipley and Graceville with our service area expanding from Tallahassee to Pensacola. We are fully licensed and insured, family owned and operated and prepared to take on any roofing project from minor repairs to complete replacements or even new construction. Contact us today and let us be your solution!
