When choosing new roofing many homeowners focus mainly on color and what their shingles will look like next to their existing siding or brick. Naturally, aesthetics and curb appeal are important. But an even more crucial element of your new roof is the attic ventilation system.
If your roofer doesn’t install a well-designed ventilation system through your attic. Your home could be subject to problems ranging from moisture damage. To irreversibly warped shingles to hazardous mold on your walls and insulation.
Not only can smart choices in ventilation have a positive effect on your wallet. A well-conceived roof replacement can produce an ROI of some 68% when you go to sell. They can significantly impact the beauty of your home and help you avoid costly repairs.
Here are five key facts you should know about residential attic ventilation systems before installing a new roof.
1. All homes accumulate moisture.
The USDA reports a standard U.S. household produces up to six gallons of incidental moisture each day. Thanks to sources like showers, dishwashers, washing machines, weather, and potted plants. For reasons of health, however, the CDC recommends keeping interior humidity below a standard 50%.
If excess dampness isn’t released outdoors through effective attic ventilation. It can promote mold and mildew growth on walls and insulation and/or rise to linger in your attic. In cold weather, the excess heat and moisture in your attic can melt the snow on your roof.
Creating ice dams that can cause damage to the shingles and roof deck.
2. Today’s homes are more airtight.
In the past, less-sophisticated residential construction meant interior moisture. It is able to escape more easily through walls, seams, chimneys, etc. That’s less likely to happen in today’s more energy-efficient homes that are sealed uptight. This means that proper ventilation is more important than ever to help eliminate any trapped moisture.
“This is the second time we have worked with Mountains to Sound Home Inspection when purchasing a new home. I absolutely recommend them. The inspectors are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions along the way – their office staff are friendly and easy to communicate with. The digital report arrived quickly and is thorough and easy to understand. All around, it has been a positive experience!” – Review of Mountains to Sound Home Inspection By Lindsay Mosteller
3. Many of today’s ventilation systems are ineffective.
Boxed, slant-back and turbine vents are intermittently installed. Often fail to create the necessary 50/50 balance of intake and exhaust. This means less air movement in the attic and ventilation that only happens where those vents are installed.
Ridge vents are the only vent type that can be installed in a continuous line along your rooftops. To evenly vent across the entire roof and eliminate trapped air. Handy ventilation calculators are available online and can help you determine the ventilation needed for that optimal balance.
If your roofer seems unfamiliar with the 50/50 concept, you may wish to seek a more experienced roofer.
4. Ridge vents don’t look like old-fashioned vents.
While older vent styles tend to jut out of your rooftop and stand out against shingles or tiles. Today’s more modern ridge vents are nearly invisible. That roof accessory choice is one area homeowners seem to overlook the most. It can make or break the overall beauty of your roof.
Today’s ridge vents are a safe choice because they fit with any architectural style. It works with a variety of roofing materials including asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, flat tiles, metal, and stone-coated steel.
5. Certain vents can be high-maintenance.
Static varieties can get clogged by snow. Leaves, brush, insects, birds, rodents, or other debris. If they’re mechanically powered they may be prone to electric shortages or wiring issues. Ridge vents, conversely, are self-powered and built with a membrane that prevents rain, snow, or debris from sneaking in.
For more tips on making smart choices in roofing, visit the Quarrix website to download the “Homeowner’s Guide to Ventilation.” (BPT)
If you or someone you know is purchasing a home and needs a quality home inspector in Seattle, WA, be sure to give Mountains to Sound Home Inspection a call (253) 649-2834 Today or Click To Schedule Online 24/7 Right From Our Website.
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Seattle, WA, is among the fastest-growing cities in the United States, and the city has seen a population boom in the past decade, with new residents moving in from all over the country. And it’s not just people but businesses thriving in Seattle, too. The city is now home to some of the biggest names in tech, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. In turn, this has led to a boom in the real estate industry. And if you’re thinking of moving to Seattle, Mountains To Sound Home Inspection will be your home buying and selling advocate.
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