The Importance of Attic Ventilation in Summer

Here’s something you may not have known: proper attic ventilation can quite literally save your roof. A study showed that about 90 percent of homes have excessive amounts of moisture, which can lead to major problems with your roof and attic over time. That’s why it’s so important to stay in the know about proper attic ventilation and what exactly it entails. Not only can the reduction of moisture keep your attic structurally sound, but it will also keep the air that circulates through your home fresh and clean.

So, how do you maintain the right amount of moisture in your attic? Taking a few simple measures to make sure your attic is properly ventilated can do the trick. Proper ventilation and moisture levels will actively prevent mold growth, structural damage, and stale air. Don’t let your attic become warped. Take proactive steps now and avoid running into problems later.

Here are a few ways you can make sure your attic is properly ventilated, and explanations as to why they’re so important.

Install Roof Vents

This is huge for maintaining proper ventilation. If you’ve experience problems with damp or mold in your attic, it may be because your home lacks vents. Take a look at your attic ceiling, eaves, and roof. Do you see any signs of ventilation? If not, it’s time to get some vents installed. There are a few different kinds of roof vents that serve different purposes. These include:

• gable vents
• soffit vents
• hooded roofing vents

Consult your trusted contractor about which kinds of vents are most appropriate for your home and how much ventilation you require to regulate moisture. Although it’s ambitious, this is possible as a DIY project. If you choose to go that route, be sure to do your research and set aside a full day. Mild and cool weather is ideal, as working in an attic on a hot day can be dangerous.

Check Insulation

If your attic is well-insulated, that’s fantastic. However, insulation can block the spaces between the rafters in your attic. This can prevent air flow to the existing air vents in your home. The best way to resolve this issue is to add baffles. Baffles allow air to move past the insulation into the vents and promote effective air circulation.

Installing baffles can be complicated and tricky. Unless you’re an experienced contractor, it’s best to get a local roofing company that you trust on board. Roofers can not only confirm whether baffle installation is necessary, but they can make sure the job is done right the first time and save you a lot of frustration.

Air Sealing

What’s the best way to combat moisture? Make sure it’s not a problem to begin with. Air sealing your attic can prevent warm air from entering your attic in the first place and save you thousands of dollars on mold remediation. Not only will this save you a huge headache, but it will save you money on HVAC energy that’s actively leaving through your roof. Ask a contractor what this process involves and nip ventilation issue in the bud.