Proper ventilation protects roofing from damage year-round. During roof installation, contractors ensure the attic has the right vents to let air escape and enter the space for adequate circulation. The guide below explains how this helps you avoid shingle and structural damage.

Why Attic Ventilation Is Important

An attic ventilation system releases stale air and moisture while allowing fresh air to enter. This helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and low humidity levels, regardless of the weather.

If your attic doesn’t have sufficient ventilation, heat rises and collects there in the summer, increasing the temperature of your home. The AC unit works harder to maintain the temperature in the thermostat, which means higher utility bills and unnecessary wear on the unit. 

Insufficient ventilation can also harm your roof. The moisture in the hot air soaks through the roofing materials, causing wood structures to warp, grow mold, and rot.

Damage can even happen in the winter, when the heated air from your home gets trapped in the attic, condenses on cold surfaces, and creates humidity. The trapped hot air melts snow accumulation on the roof, contributing to ice dams. The constant expansion and contraction of melting and refreezing ice also lead to shingle cracks, which could result in leaks.

How Contractors Create Attic Ventilation

A roofing contractor assesses your attic to determine which type of vents work most efficiently for it.

Among the available options are ridge vents, which are installed at the top of a sloped roof and work like screens to allow air to escape through the peak. Soffit vents, which sit underneath the eaves of a roof and pull in fresh air from the outside, and gable vents, which are installed along the walls of the attic to allow for moderate air circulation, are also common. The right option for your needs depends on the pitch, slope, and materials of your roof.

To ensure your attic is properly insulated and protected, contact the experts at American Roofing in Anchorage, AK. Licensed, bonded, and fully insured, these contractors offer a wide range of residential services, including inspections, roof repairs, and attic insulation. They’re committed to finishing projects on time and within budget, and offer some of the most competitive rates in the market. Visit their website for more information on their work, and call (907) 345-8700 to request a free estimate today.