As a homeowner, you know that a well-maintained roof is key to keeping the house safe and comfortable. However, there’s more to roof maintenance and repairs than simply fixing water leaks and replacing damaged roofing materials. It’s just as important to make sure the roof is properly insulated and ventilated. If you’re unfamiliar with ventilation or its importance, the following guide explains why this part of your roofing system needs to be well maintained to keep your home in top shape.

Why Roof Ventilation Matters

When the attic space is properly insulated, it helps keep cool air inside during the summer and prevents the warm air from escaping through the roof during the winter. This reduces your heating and cooling costs and makes the HVAC system run efficiently. If there’s too much insulation, all that heat would be trapped inside the attic with nowhere to escape to. This could cause warped roofing materials and excess moisture buildup, which could leave you looking for a roof replacement far sooner than would otherwise be required. With the proper ventilation systems in place, that buildup is reduced without causing your home to become less comfortable when the weather outside is severe.

How It Works

There are several types of ventilation systems commonly used to protect your roofing materials. The natural ventilation method uses the slope of the roof to allow hot air to escape and cool air to circulate into the attic whenever the wind blows. These systems are built along the roof’s ridgeline or the highest point of the home. For homeowners with flat or sloped roofs, ridgeline vents may not be possible to install. In these instances, edge vents, wind turbines, and electric attic ventilation systems may need to be installed. These systems actively circulate hot air out of the attic while bringing cooler air inside through an intake vent to keep the home comfortable. Your roofing contractor will be able to determine which system is best for your needs.

Are you worried about your home’s attic ventilation? Schedule an inspection with the experienced contractors at Bradach Roofing Siding Inc. in Lakeville, MN. Their dedicated team has helped Dakota County homeowners with their roofing needs for more than 20 years. Whether you’re worried about a noticeable leak or discover an emergency roof repair in the middle of the night, they’re ready to help with 24/7 emergency patching services. Learn more about their services online, or call (952) 892-6015 for a free estimate.