As you are probably aware, most attics and roofs are vented. Unfortunately, most residences lack adequate attic ventilation, which can raise your energy bills and cause damage to your property. Nevertheless, your attic is crucial when it comes to roofing in Massachusetts. Installing adequate ventilation in your attic can improve your roof's longevity, your family's welfare, and comfort, and save on your future repair and energy costs.
How Does Attic Ventilation Work?
Attic ventilation works with the idea that warm air naturally rises, and it mainly utilizes two kinds of vents: intake vents down low along soffits and exhaust vents high at the roof ridge. Cool air enters the attic through intake vents, while exhaust vents allow hot air to escape. This natural process maintains the proper air balance in your attic and is critical to making your house comfortable.
How Much Ventilation Do You Require?
The majority of roofs are under-ventilated. Many residents are unaware of how much roof ventilation they require. However, this varies with the needs of your locality. The Federal Housing Authority suggests at least one square foot of attic ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic floor space. This is in line with the Massachusetts Building Code.
Importance of Adequate Ventilation
Stop Condensation
Condensation is caused by a combination of temperature, air, and water vapor. As air passes over the surfaces, the temperature of the surfaces drop. The moisture in the air passing over these surfaces cannot be retained, resulting in droplets on the surfaces. This occurs in most homes across Massachusetts when the temp decreases inside the house, particularly during the night when the heating is switched off. Condensation can cause mold and rot of surfaces, which you obviously want to prevent. You may also experience health problems due to damp conditions caused by condensation, such as allergies and respiratory complications. Nevertheless, ensuring that your home has adequate ventilation will help to mitigate these risks.
Curb Ice Damming
Ice dams usually occur when snow melts from a higher hotter part of the roof then flows down to the lower parts of the roof where it then freezes. This frozen ice then builds up and prevents more melted snow from flowing off the roof. As the ice builds up, it creates sort of a dam that soaks beneath the sheathing and leaks into the attic. This causes a lot of damage to attics, ceilings, and walls on the top floor. Ice dams can be avoided by installing ventilation beneath the roof deck. This keeps cold outside air circulating via the attic, preventing it from warming above the freezing temperature and melting ice on the rooftop.
Temperature Regulation
It takes much more than your installed heating system to keep your house cozy. The airflow through your home can also influence interior temperature. High moisture levels in poorly ventilated rooms can raise the room temperature.
Ventilation is the most cost-effective and energy-efficient method of passive cooling. Temperature changes between day and night are minimal in hot and humid weather. Natural ventilation in your attic can help you use much less air conditioning.
How to Spot Poor Ventilation
Although you think it is easy to tell if your home has ventilation problems, it could be more challenging than you assume. So, how do you tell if your house requires proper ventilation? Here are some signs of inadequate ventilation you should check out.
Molds
If your house has ventilation issues, it is more difficult for stale, moist air to exit. This moisture can frequently turn into mold. Molds are terribly problematic because they can spread within as little as one to two days. The longer you let them spread, the harder it will be to get rid of them.
Musty Odors
Inadequate ventilation can be unpleasant to the nose. Dreadful odors, similar to smelly socks, may indicate ventilation issues. If moisture cannot escape from your home, it may produce a musty odor that can be difficult to eliminate. Musty smells and a sense of dampness around you are indicators that you should examine your home's ventilation.
Air Conditioner Breakdowns
You may not link the condition of your air conditioner to the welfare of your roof. However, if you do not have enough roof ventilation, your air conditioner may be overworked. If your air conditioner has had frequent failures and breakdowns, you could have ventilation issues.
What Do You Do About a Poorly Ventilated Attic?
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it is time to take appropriate action. Install attic ventilation near the roof's peak and soffit vents in the eaves to get the best results. Moreover, it is prudent to have your roof assessed by a licensed roofing specialist who can determine if your attic meets adequate ventilation recommendations. The specialist can also recommend steps to take if your roof has exhausted its lifespan or if it requires repairs.
By far, the most critical component of the Heat, Air Ventilation, and Cooling system is ventilation. Adequate attic ventilation is essential, particularly in environments where snow is prevalent. Since it is a natural ventilation form, it will keep your house from being humid and stuffy, and it can help with recycled air problems.
Homeowners around Framingham should consider installing an attic ventilator to ensure their homes are adequately ventilated. Do you not have the capacity to do it on your own? You can seek professional assistance from H&R Roofing. At H&R Roofing, we provide high-quality roofing services, and you are practically guaranteed a professional and quality installation. Contact us today, if you have any questions or want to consult with our professional contractors.