When we meet with homeowners here in the Minneapolis area regarding a roof replacement, one of the things we do is evaluate the existing ventilation.  For a roof to work as it's designed and hold up well, each component must be installed and function properly.  An important element is the ventilation.

Not only is the roof of the home a major part that provides protection for the structure, but it is also is an aesthetic part of the house. It gives a nice look to the outside of the home while providing protection and comfort. Without the right roof on a home, it might not perform or be as comfortable as a homeowner would like it to be.

A lot of people don’t think about how much a roof and its ventilation are able to impact the home as a whole and the systems within it. However, proper ventilation is critical to the performance of a roof.

There are a number of reasons why adequate ventilation is a good thing to have for any home. Knowing the reasons that affect your roof will give you the push needed to find out if your home needs an assessment of the existing air flow under your roof.

Roof Ventilation Is Necessary for Energy Efficiency

You can reduce your cool air costs with the right ventilation beneath the roof as well as in the attic. Proper air flow helps to keep the heat out of the attic and pulls the cool air through the rest of the home. Not only that but if there is gained heat in the rest of the home, sufficient attic ventilation can quickly remove it.

Attic Ventilation Reduces Condensation

Moisture can build up in an attic when adequate ventilation doesn't exist. For some, this means mold and mildew, which is never a good thing, especially if you use your attic for storage. The moisture that is generated in the main part of the home will rise to the attic. This then causes condensation to build up. Having the right ventilation will remove the moisture and keep the mold growth down. A build-up of mold isn't just an unsightly thing or a potential for damaging your stored items or structural lumber - it is also a possible health threat, so keeping the moisture level in the attic to a minimum is extremely important.

Proper Ventilation Is Needed to Reduce Ice Dams on the Roof

Ice dams can do a lot of damage to a roof as well as the structure beneath it. If the attic and the area beneath the roofing is not properly ventilated, frozen snow melt can build up, push the roofing materials off the roof and more. Ice dams will eventually cause the melting snow to seep underneath the roof, which can cause ceiling damage inside a home.

Increase the life of your roof and help the rest of the home stay comfortable with proper roof ventilation. If this seems to be an issue in your home, speak with us here at Metal Roofing & Siding of Minnesota and we can help you assess your particular roofing situation.

Quarve Contracting, Inc. is a licensed Minnesota roofing and siding contractor serving the entire Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area, as well as outlying communities, including western Wisconsin.