Proper attic ventilation is vital for any new construction or old home and has multiple benefits that make this improvement or installation a worthy investment. Experts agree that most attics in North America are vastly under-ventilated with dire consequences, especially over the long-term. Unfortunately, this isn’t an issue that often crosses the typical homeowner’s mind until it is too late and is faced with expensive repairs and restorations. Investing in proper attic ventilation can have multiple benefits including;
Good for Your Roof
Ice dams on the roof are a fairly common problem and severely reduce the lifespan of the roofing itself in addition to causing secondary problems including moisture and flooding in the attic. Warm air rises from the home and into the attic and if not properly ventilated, the warm air creates parts of the roof that are warmer than others. As snow accumulates on the roof, the warmer areas partially melt the snow. This water is obstructed by the solid snow on the cooler parts of the roof, usually around the edge of the roof, preventing the water from draining naturally. This ice dam deteriorates the life of the shingles and can cause extensive roof damage and water leaking into the attic with foreseeable repercussions.
Another potential problem, in this case, is dexterous wildlife such as raccoons and squirrels are adept at spotting weaknesses to exploit to get into the attic. The wildlife will eventually create an opening in your damaged shingles when the next cold season or breeding season comes around and the animals are looking for somewhere safe, warm and dry to nest.
Good for Your Attic
Ice dams are a serious problem during winter for poorly ventilated attics but even warm summer months bring with them moisture issues. Attic temperatures can rise up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit in summer which renders the attic space unusable. The heat could also potentially damage any items you might have stored in the attic.
As the temperatures cool at night, condensation forms in the attic leading to moisture issues. The moisture increases the chances of growing mold and mildew and damages attic insulation among other serious problems.
Good for Your HVAC System
Attic temperatures can vary significantly from the rest of the house usually by at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit in a house with poor attic ventilation. This variation causes the HVAC system to work more than is necessary to maintain ambient temperature. This excess load, in turn, requires your system to consume more energy than necessary and significantly decreases the life of the equipment and increases undue repairs and maintenance from wear and tear.
The HVAC system is a major installation and allowing it to consistently work more than is necessary leads to excess costs that can easily be avoided.
Call Attic Insulation Toronto if your heating and cooling isn’t working as it should. Improving the efficiency and optimizing your HVAC system’s performance may be as simple as improving your attic ventilation. This alternative is definitely cheaper than installing a new system but is up to the recommendation of an expert.
Good for Energy Efficiency
As previously intimated, your HVAC system may be inefficient because of poor attic ventilation rather than because of a flaw in the system itself. It is equally important to note that your attic insulation works most efficiently when it is dry. Any moisture problems in the attic, even when mold or mildew is not an immediate concern, seriously lower your insulation’s R-Value and its ability to maximize energy efficiency.
Call an Expert to Assess Your Attic Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation along with proper attic insulation stands out as some of the best home improvements you can make.
Common signs of poorly ventilated attic include ice dams and other roof damage, unexpected HVAC wear and tear, moist or damaged insulation and mold and mildew in the attic. If you are unsure whether or not your attic is sufficiently ventilated, call Attic Insulation Toronto and an inspector will arrive to assess the attic and make the necessary recommendations. Call us now: 647-931-6385