What to Know About Roofing Ventilation Before Winter Hits
As Iowa’s characteristically short fall rolls in, it’s only prudent to start thinking about the next season down the line: winter. None of us like even speaking the dreaded w-word, but it’s critical for your home exterior’s well-being to get your seasonal prep work done, even this far ahead of time.
One thing that often flies under the radar when it comes to that is your roof and its ventilation. Though it may or may not require attention at the moment, your home could suffer serious structural damage if it’s left ailing throughout the colder months.
Haggerty Windows & Siding, providers of roof replacement services and roof repairs, discusses the importance of proper roof ventilation below—and what can happen if it’s neglected.
The Basics on Roof Ventilation
Most roofs are designed to allow the air within them to “breathe.” This is accomplished via strategically placed vents that allow airflow without compromising watertightness. Functionally, it helps to prevent mold damage and keeps your home’s internal temperatures consistent.
Without these vents, humid air from day-to-day activities below—showering, washing the dishes, etcetera—moist air congregates in the attic, which creates the opportunity for fungus to set up shop. It also can, surprisingly, be a fire hazard, as dampness and nearby electrical wires don’t exactly mix. Finally, it can cause the metal fixtures in your roof to rust and deteriorate, opening up the door for structural strain and damage.
On the flip side, though, you also don’t want too much ventilation! That can lead to sky-high utility bills, as temperature-treated air just escapes through your attic. So, to protect your home this winter, learn more about winter risks to ventilation and how a roofing contractor can help.
Winter Hazards
During winter, there are particular hazards you need to know about relating to your roofing ventilation. The storms and snowfall can build up on your roof and cause concern. So, keep an eye out for these issues:
Ice Dams
For one, ice dams can result from improper roofing ventilation. Without a roof repair contractor to properly open up your attic space, warm air can melt the snow on your roof, which then refreezes as it rolls downward. This creates a dangerous backup of standing water that can worm its way under your shingles and cause dreaded wintertime roof leaks.
Ice Formation in the Roof
This is also a commonly seen issue in improperly ventilated spaces. This might not seem like too big an issue at first—water can’t do much damage if it’s frozen, you might think—when that ice heats up, it soaks your attic through, reducing the efficiency of your insulation and even staining the ceiling below.
Snowfall Accumulation
Snowfall accumulation on your roof is another significant hazard that can harm ventilation and lead to mold or water damage. While most of us enjoy the occasional soft snow falling and the world might look beautiful covered in fresh snow, this can pose problems to your roof. While a well-installed roof is unlikely to leak because of some snow, older or damaged rooftops are at risk. So, reach out for a roof inspection to ensure your roof can handle the winter weather.
For all of these potential risks to proper roof ventilation, it’s essential to reach out to a roofing contractor for help. If you notice issues like water damage, mold, or any other roof damage, we are here to help with roof repair services.
Haggerty Windows & Siding Is Here to Keep Your Roof Going Strong
Iowa winters aren’t always easy on homes, and your roof could be at risk of issues like improper ventilation or water damage. Luckily, you can ensure your roof is stable and in excellent condition with help from Haggerty Windows & Siding. We are happy to check out your roof for signs of weakness or damage, and we also offer repair services.
We’re a team of local roof repair contractors focused on customer care and top-quality craftsmanship—both in our roofing services and beyond. Give our Urbandale office a call today at 515-953-6999.