Helps reduce energy consumption
During warmer months, ventilation helps keep attics cool. Radiant heat from the sun warms the roof and radiates into the attic. If not properly vented out, it can radiate into the living space affecting the comfot level inside the house and contributing to higher utility bills. The reduced temperature in your attic will help keep the ductwork and air inside your home cooler. The resulting effect will be a reduced strain on your air conditioning unit. During cooler months, ventilation reduces moisture to help keep attics dry.
Protects against damage to materials and structure
The shingles and decking of your roof system may deteriorate prematurely due to heat and excessive moisture buildup. By reducing the surface temperature of the shingles and the existence of moisture on the underside of the decking by properly ventilating the attic space, a homeowner may be able to extend the life of both of these materials.
Defends against ice dams
Winter creates a special attic ventilation problem in areas where cold temperatures are common occurrences. The problem begins with the formation of ice dams which prevent melt water from running off a roof. Ice dams can form when warm air from the home accumulates in the attic, lower areas of the roof remain cold and a snow cover accumulates on the roof. The melted snow flows down the roof until it reaches a colder spot, such as the eaves, where it refreezes, forming a back up of ice commonly called an ice dam. A properly designed ventilation system creates a “cold roof” – a condition where the roof temperature is equalized from top to bottom, which helps eliminate the conditions that lead to the formation of ice dams. Roof damage occurs when the water pooling against the dam begins to back-up under shingles. Plus, water can infiltrate into both exterior and interior walls, leading to rotted roof decks and rafters, ruined insulation, moisture inside the walls, mold and peeling paint, which could cost a homeowner hundreds of dollars or more to repair.
