Understanding The True Importance of Attic Ventilation

Without proper ventilation, your attic will slowly begin to gather moisture until you are dealing with an infestation of mold and mildew that will be costly to get rid of. And if left unnoticed, can lead to respiratory problems for everyone living in the building, as well as high fees associated with the repair costs. So how do you know how much ventilation is needed to keep you and your loved ones safe and protected?

There is such a thing as too much ventilation

Where too little ventilation can lead to mold and mildew due to moisture build up during the winter, and to energy waste due to overheating in the summer, too much ventilation can also pose as a problem. This is because ventilation requires penetration points in your roofing, which can put your roof at risk of leakage. And this does not just mean that water may be able to seep in, but it can also mean that sparks of wildfire may be able to enter and cause your home to go up in flames.

So how much is too much and how little is, too little? Well, the rule of thumb is one vent per three-hundred feet squared of ceiling space, though it is always best to ask a professional roofer who has had the chance to assess your attic in person. They will be able to assess the requirements and give you the right report.

What to watch out for when you live in a heated climate

Roofers in San Mateo know that there is a lot of misconceptions about needing more ventilation in hotter parts of the world. The truth is that there are many factors at play when it comes to overheated homes. Shingle color, insulation, and sun exposure, among others, will also influence the temperature in your home. Thus, all of these factors hold key importance.

Do vents affect the heating during the cold season?

Some people believe that vents will allow hot air to escape during the winter months but that is absolutely not true. If you find yourself dealing with excessive heating costs as soon as it gets cold, that will likely be the case due to poor insulation. The vents are actually working on protecting your home from mold caused by condensation from the heating which is a major positive and necessity.

Don’t install your own ventilation

In order to have the right ventilation for your home, it is vital that you hire a local roofer with a good rep, instead of following some guides you found online or listening to scientific studies reconstructed in a laboratory.