Side Effects of Poor Attic Ventilation and How to Fix It
Your attic is a vital part of your home. It’s more than the place you store off-season holiday decorations and heirlooms you can’t part with. It’s an integral part of your structure, and it’s important to keep it in great condition. Part of being a responsible homeowner is ensuring appropriate attic ventilation. When air isn’t moving through this space properly, you can experience a host of issues.
Today, we’re sharing a few of the most common side effects and how to remedy them as soon as possible.
1. Visible Roof Damage
Has your roof started showing early signs of damage or decay? If so, this could point to excessive moisture in your attic. When warm air is allowed to build up within your home, it can seep outward, affecting your exterior.
Some of the most common roof issues to look out for include:
- Loose or missing shingles
- Soft or rotten decking
- Loose or falling soffits and fascia
These materials can soften due to prolonged exposure to moist, warm air from your attic. You may also notice that your nails and flashing are starting to rust. When this happens, they can loosen and lead to leaks.
2. Ice Dams on Roof During Winter
When there’s snow on your roof, warm air from an improperly ventilated attic can cause it to melt. Then, it will refreeze again in the gutters when the temperature drops.
This can cause ice dams to form on the edge of your roof. When this happens, excess moisture starts to accumulate behind the dams. This creates a buildup of ice that can damage your roof.
3. Excessive Heat
When you go inside your attic, you may notice that it’s exceedingly hot. In fact, the rest of your home might feel uncomfortable, too.
Proper attic ventilation is an essential part of heating and cooling your home. When there’s continuous airflow, it helps reduce heat and eliminate moisture build-up, ensuring that your HVAC systems can work effectively.
When that airflow stops, you’ll notice the difference in the temperature of your home. Higher monthly energy bills may also tip you off to the issue!
4. Mold or Mildew
When your roof is compromised due to poor attic ventilation, it can cause condensation to accumulate on your trusses. Over time, this water can drip down into your home.
In addition to warping your ceiling and flooring materials, it can also rot them. You may also notice that your paint is blistering or peeling off the walls, or your ceilings are starting to sag.
If this happens, it can cause mold or mildew to grow along your baseboards, ceiling trim, or walls. This is a serious issue that can compromise the health and safety of your loved ones, so it’s important to take action immediately.
Fix Your Attic Ventilation Issues Today
If any of these signs sound familiar, then your attic ventilation may not be up to par. The good news? We can fix it.
Our free 12-point home energy analysis includes a thorough assessment of your attic. If the ventilation isn’t up to our standards, we’ll recommend next steps, such as adding ridge vents to improve airflow through the soffits. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
