Everything New Homeowners Need to Know About Roofs

Poor ventilation in a home's roof space can lead to many problems for the homeowner. Without ventilation, heat and moisture will become trapped in the roof. Due to the moisture build-up, you may experience issues with your roof. 

This blog post will explore some problems caused by poor roof ventilation.

Ice Dams

Ice dams can be hazardous regardless of the age and type of roof you may have. When warm air doesn't escape through a well-ventilated roof, it causes ice buildup when the temperature dips below freezing. The ice can restrict runoff water from escaping the roof, leading it to seep underneath shingles and into your home, causing further damage.

Mould Growth

Discrepancies in the design or installation of your roof may result in air being unable to circulate properly. Warm air trapped inside your attic creates the perfect environment for mould spores to thrive. Once the mould takes hold, it can spread quickly and create an unhealthy environment for you and your family. Mould can cause health problems such as allergies and asthma attacks. Widespread mould can also cause unsightly damage to surfaces if left unchecked.     

Shingle Damage

Shingles can last for decades but break down faster when exposed to extreme temperatures for too long. A roof that allows hot air and moisture to become trapped can ultimately deteriorate your shingles over time. Overheating may even warp or curl the shingles leaving your home vulnerable to water damage from leaks. Leaks lead to structural damage translates and eventually costly repair work. 

Paint Peeling

If the paint begins to bubble and peel on different areas of an interior wall, this could indicate a lack of air circulation within the walls. The result is an unsightly wall paint that needs immediate attention. In worse cases, paint loss could happen on the outside walls of the house and in other areas where the paint is not directly visible.

High Energy Costs

Poorly ventilated roofs allow energy to escape through the roof. As a result, energy systems such as heaters and air conditioners work harder to keep temperatures steady. This strain on energy systems leads to increased energy bills that can significantly impact your finances. 

To avoid high energy costs, routinely assess your roof and repair or replace any damaged or inefficient components. Doing so will not only help reduce energy costs but also extend the lifetime of any energy systems in the home.

For more information about roof repair, contact a local company.