One of the most essential parts of modern roof design is ventilation to allow air and moisture out of your attic or crawlspace. Many older homes were built without this feature, and some modern homes need improvements from a roofer when their existing ventilation isn’t enough. Here are a few ways to tell whether your roof is correctly vented.

Ventilation Factors That Roofers Look For

Check Vent Location & Condition

First, go around your home and find where the roof vents are located. They can be in the soffits—the undersides of your roof’s eaves—or on the roof itself. If the vents are obstructed, they need to be cleaned out. If you can’t find any, you may need to have your roofer or general contractor install new ones.

Feel Your Ceiling

On a warm day in the summer, put your hand on your ceiling directly below your attic or crawlspace. If it feels warm or hot to the touch, that means heat is coming into your home from under your roof, which increases your cooling bill. A properly vented roof should leave your ceiling feeling room temperature or cool.

Watch for Ice Dams

In the winter, warm air trapped under your roof melts snow and ice. The water slides down to the colder eaves and re-freezes there. If you see ice dams, your roof needs more ventilation.

Identify Water Damage

At any time of year, you can go up to your attic or crawlspace to see if moisture from the rooms below is being trapped there. Water causes mold and stains as well as a generally humid feeling. However, it’s also possible your roof is leaking and causing water damage, so you’ll need your roofer to perform a more thorough assessment before you can complete roof repairs for the issue.

 

If you see the signs of poor ventilation, the roofers at Banner Construction in Andover, MN, will help. For over 30 years, they have offered high-quality construction and repairs in Anoka County, including roofs, siding, windows, decks, and other home exterior features. Their honest prices and 10-year warranty on workmanship have earned them a reputation for customer satisfaction. To schedule, call (763) 205-4728 or reach out online.