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Poor
Attic Ventilation Can Ruin Your Insulation,
Destroy Your Shingles, And Raise Your Energy Bills!
Why Take Risks?
It is estimated that 9 out of 10 homes in
North America do not have proper attic ventilation. Why? Because
most people are unaware that attic ventilation can impact the longevity
of their entire home!
For example, in the summer, an
improperly ventilated attic can cause heat to build in excess of
160°F. This superheated air eventually penetrates the ceiling insulation
into the living area below.
Types of damage that can
result include:
• Premature aging of your roofing system (“fried”
shingles)
• Warping, cracking, or breaking down of wood framing
• Damage to siding, exterior or interior paint, and wallpaper
• Higher energy costs
A properly ventilated attic can help reduce the load on your air
conditioner by moving the superheated air out of your attic before
it builds up and causes damage.
In the winter, various household appliances,
bathtubs, showers, and cooking vapors can contribute to excess moisture
build-up. Improperly ventilated attics will allow this moisture
to collect and cling to the underside of the roof. There, it will
condense and fall, soaking the attic insulation and reducing its
efficiency.
Additional structural damage can include:
• Roof deck warping and rotting of the wood frame
• Mildew growth
• Buckling of shingles and felt
Finally, attics should be properly ventilated to help prevent ice
dams in cold northern climates. During the winter, ice and snow
on a roof will melt and run down the deck to the cooler eaves. This
run-off can re-freeze, creating an ice dam that will trap moisture
on the roof. The moisture can eventually back up under the shingles
and enter your home — causing hundreds or thousands of dollars
of damage to your ceilings and walls. Adequate attic ventilation
will reduce the amount of initial melting that occurs on your roof,
thereby reducing the chance that ice dams will form.
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