Proper ventilation is the secret behind roof longevity. If you do not believe it, let Barnett Roofing shed light on the reasons why a well-ventilated roof lasts a long time.
No Overheated Shingles
Credentialed roofing contractors would tell you that high attic heat is detrimental to the integrity of asphalt shingles. It is bad enough that they are directly exposed to the sun, which raises their surface temperature and accelerates their deterioration with ultraviolet light. The high level of heat coming from the attic fry shingles and speeds up their aging process.
With proper ventilation, the heat from downstairs rooms does not get stuck in the attic. Instead, it exits the house through an exhaust vent, which is generally located at the ridge of the roof.
No Excessive Moisture
A humid attic is bad news for the building materials it in. Moisture is water, just in gaseous form, so it can cause wood decay and rust in metal. Without anywhere to go, the excessive moisture in the attic will wreak havoc on whatever object it comes into contact with and increase the frequency of roof repair projects you have to deal with.
No Ice Damming
In winter, it is inevitable for snow to build up on the roof. What is not normal, though, is the formation of ice dams.
Ice damming occurs when the upper sections of the roof are hotter than the bottom ones, causing the snow to melt at the top and freeze along the edges. Ice dams are more than just hazards; they also bring undue pressure to roof edges and cause water to back up under the shingles. Unaddressed ice damming can result in premature roof replacement.
Adequate roof ventilation is one of the few real solutions to ice damming. The constant flow of air in the attic allows the temperature of the roof to stay close to that of the outside, preventing the snow from becoming water and then ice.
Is your roof properly ventilated? Let Barnett Roofing have a look. Call (865) 936-6959 to schedule your consultation with us and get a free estimate for any service you may need.