Have you looked up in your attic lately? For most people that is one of the last things on their mind unless they store and access items up there often. As a local Norman Roofer, we want to discuss how poor attic ventilation contributes to increased energy costs, and costly renovation and roof repair expenses. Trapped heat and moisture are the two main culprits in your attic that can eventually lead to these following issues:
Damaged Decking
Adhesives that bind the roof decking together will start to deteriorate when too much moisture seeps into it and will cause it to warp and sag between the rafters. This can become very dangerous for many reasons and should not be overlooked.
Damaged Roof System
When there is too much moisture in the decking from trapped attic moisture it can also decrease the lifespan of the roofing underlayment and shingles. Cracking and early granular loss are both signs of inadequate roofing ventilation and indicate that a roofing inspection with a Norman Roofer should be scheduled sooner than later to prevent any further damages.
Ceiling Stains
Poor ventilation can result in stains and mold growth in your home on the ceilings and walls by not allowing the necessary amount of moisture to escape through the vents. A hot and humid environment produces an ideal place for mold and mildew growth that can damage belongings you have stored in the attic, also raising health concerns.
Frost Formation
Frost develops in an attic when warm moist air is unable to escape, condenses, and then freezes as the temperature drops. As the temperatures fluctuate throughout the day during winter the frost will melt and fall on top of the insulation and ceiling in a home. This repeated process will eventually lead to ceiling stains, bubbling, cracking, and instability. The best way to deter this from happening is to have a Norman Roofer install an attic fan and inspect that your vents are working properly.
