Gaithersburg Roofing: Article About Roof Ventilation
This is the highest point on a roof where the two sides of a sloped roof come together. This area is usually capped to block water from penetrating the roof. Some roofing systems include vents at this point.
Gaithersburg roofing FAQ: Why do wood shingles curl?Since wood is a natural material, it soaks up water when it rains or when snow begins to melt. When moisture accumulates on the bottom side of the shingle and then the top side begins to dry, curling may begin to happen. Proper roof ventilation can prevent this. Most of the time, curled wood shingles cannot be repaired. The most feasible solution is simply to remove the curled wood shingles and replace them with new ones.
Proper roof ventilation is essential for the long term performance of the roof and the attic space directly under a roof. Gaithersburg Roofing contractors know that a telltale sign of a roof that has insufficient ventilation is a musty smell. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that if they do not have sufficient ventilation, they could void their manufacturer's warranty on their asphalt shingles.
Most building codes require a 1/150 ratio of ventilation space to attic floor space. This means that if a homeowner has an attic space that measures 1,000 square feet, they must divide this by 150 for a total of approximately 6.7 square feet. This is the amount of ventilation space the attic must have.
There are many options available for ventilating a residential roof. One option is a ridge vent. This is a strip of ventilation that is installed at the ridgeline of a home. Before this strip can be installed, a 1-inch strip of decking is removed from both sides of the ridge line. This will allow air to flow through the vent. It is essential that airflow is not blocked by the roof's frame.
A second option is to install gable vents. These vents are placed on the gable end of the building. Because of where they are installed, they will allow air to escape the attic space while at the same time preventing snow and rain from entering into the home.
The roofing experts at Seneca Creek Home Improvement of Gaithersburg MD can assist you with any questions regarding roofing, gutters or siding.
Some homeowners opted to install whole house fans on the roof. These fans are controlled by a thermal switch and activate when the temperature in the attic space reaches a preset degree. These fans come in solar powered models that can greatly reduce the home's energy expenses, depending on where the fan is located in the home.
Ventilation plays a vital role in protecting the roof. If heat builds up in the attic during the winter months, it can cause the snow accumulation on the roof to melt and then refreeze, creating ice dams. A poorly ventilated attic can become so hot that it may cause the adhesive at the bottom of asphalt shingles to loosen and eventually separate from the roof. Improper ventilation can also wreak havoc on air conditioning systems.
An attic that is not properly ventilated can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, which will eventually find its way into the home and may negatively affect the health of the home's occupants. It is a good idea for homeowners to have their roofing contractor verify that they have sufficient ventilation when they have their roof inspected.
