When
looking at a house, the first thing we see is the roof, be it
aesthetically or for the protection of that house. It is vital in
determining how energy-efficient your home is through the different
climes in a year. Georgia experiences a humid subtropical climate,
with most of the state having short, mild winters and long, hot
summers. With such a climate, you must have proper attic ventilation
to help you serve and protect your home.
What
is Attic Ventilation?
Attic
ventilation is the process of allowing your home to breathe. By
breathing, we mean allowing warm or cold air inflow, depending on the
weather. They are in two distinct categories: active and passive
types.
Purposes
for Attic Ventilation
Here
are some purposes why attic ventilation is important.
- Removing
moisture: When outdoor temperatures drop, heat and moisture increase
in our homes. It shows in the form of condensation on our windows.
The steam is carried there by air and, if unable to escape,
increases the internal temperature inside the house. Without proper
ventilation, moisture
on roofing nails in attic
results in nail and deck rot and allows mold to grow. - Ice
Dam prevention: During winter, cold air comes in through the
basement and rises through the house into the attic. In Georgia,
when it snows, the snow melts off a roof as the temperature goes up
and re-freezes at the gutters, causing an ice dam that can damage
the roof. If the attic isn’t well-ventilated, it stores it all up,
leading to rot and mold. Attic ventilation and knowing the proper
roofing procedures
allow more warm air from the house to deliver moisture to those cold
surfaces as that air leaves the house. - Attic
ventilation helps keep your attic cool while preventing air leaks
between your house and the attic.
Benefits
of Attic Ventilation
- It
helps reduce indoor temperature extremes because, without proper
attic ventilation, the hot air rising to the roof cannot escape, and
this is not conducive during the long, hot summer months in Georgia.
It helps Prolong the life of your roof by preventing damage from
temperature fluctuations and moisture. - Reducing
energy costs by helping maintain more consistent indoor
temperatures. When a roof is well-ventilated, extreme heat cannot
build up within the house as hot, moist air escapes, which cuts down
on the excess cost of air conditioning and reduces your energy
bills. - It
prevents mold and mildew growth that results from condensation. This
is also where the roof
moisture barrier
comes in handy, as it prevents moisture from moving up and seeping
into the air beneath your home. Attic ventilation helps keep your
insulation dry. - It
reduces the risks of damaging ice dams in the winter months and
generally prolongs the life span of your roof. Attic ventilation
reduces heat buildup during the summer and ice dams (moisture
buildup) during the winter. Regular roof
moisture scan
in Georgia are advised as they help detect any anomalies and carry
out roof repairs.
The
Impact and Efficiency of Attic Ventilation
Roof
vents maintain proper air circulation in the attic, which is
especially important in climates with extreme temperatures. In
regions with heavy snowfall, such as Georgia, roof vents aid in
reducing the weight load on your roof. Proper attic ventilation
allows warm air to escape and cold air to enter, reducing the chances
of snow melting and re-freezing. This process elongates roof life
while reducing the possibility of damage brought about by excessive
snow and ice accumulation. In the summer, roof vents are responsible
for expelling hot air from your attic space. It is very beneficial as
it helps reduce energy costs and lowers the average internal
temperature inside your home.
How
well your roof vents perform is influenced by certain conditions,
such as:
-
The
surrounding environment -
The
prevalent weather conditions in the area. -
Is
it a new or old house?
Since
its inception in 1995, we at
Findlay Roofing,
with our team of experts, have taken it upon ourselves to give homes
around Atlanta the best roofing they deserve. We are a reputable
company and offer various services, from roof replacement and attic
insulation to commercial roofing services. Contact us today to get
all your home projects started.