Five Things to Know About When it Comes to Attic and Roof Ventilation in Grand Rapids MI
One of the most important parts of your home is the roof. When the roof has a problem it can lead to all sorts of other problems. Even a small roof leak which may seem insignificant at first can start to cause all sorts of problems. While most home owners realize when they have a roof leak one problem that can cause as much damage is bad ventilation of the attic and roof. This is a problem that affects a lot of homes and can lead to many problems in your home one of which can be mold growth in the home. Having a qualified roofer in Grand Rapids Michigan inspect and repair any ventilation issues you have on your home can ensure your roof will last a long time and you can prevent damages to the interior of your home.
Five Things to Know About When it Comes to Attic and Roof Ventilation in Grand Rapids MI
An important part of any good roof is in the installation procedure; part of this installation process has to do with ventilation. A great roofing contractor in Grand Rapids Michigan will ensure that your ventilation system is efficient, functional and balanced – but what exactly does this entail? Here is a list of five things you need to know on ventilation and the dangers that occur when it isn’t done correctly.
Ventilating Correctly Can Reduce Energy Costs
Skimping out on good roof ventilation in Grand Rapids MI will probably save you in the short term. Long term, however, you’re going to have an HVAC system that is struggling to keep up, costing you more money over time. As anyone who has taken a basic science class knows, heat rises. If that heat can’t escape your house then all its going to do is sit there, increasing the temperature of your home considerably. Having ample ventilation will allow the heat to drain away and be replaced by cooler air.
Bad Ventilation Can Put Stress On Your Home’s Framing
Heat kept in the attic does more than just increase your AC bill, it can also put extra stress on the roof’s trusses. This weakening of your roof’s foundation can cause a wide range of problems such as leaking. A water leak is one of the worst things that can happen to your roof – even the smallest drip can rot wood, cause mold, and lead to ice dams in the winter.
Vent Openings Need Protection
While the job of a good ventilation system is to maximize air flow there are a few caveats. If the openings aren’t designed or protected in a certain way though it can lead to critters making their way into your attic. Needless to say this can be devastating – racoons and birds can bring all sorts of diseases into your home, while termites can gnaw away at the framing. Instead of relying on a few large openings, multiple smaller ones with mesh or wire screens are recommended.
Balance in Everything – Especially Ventilation
Simply put, your ventilation systems needs to have an equal amount of inflow and outflow. Having an extra area for outflow is fairly useless if there isn’t enough intake – in a case such as this the pressure is too low inside of the attic, causing heat not to be efficiently removed from the home.
Attic Fans Aren’t Always the Best Choice
The idea behind an electric attic fan is simple – it circulates the air to bring cooler air in faster. Ventilation isn’t all about moving air though, but moving it effectively. An electric fan can create a vacuum in a certain area, pushing warmer air into the rooms below – completely defeating the purpose of the ventilation system in the first place!
As you can see attic ventilation is an incredibly important factor in any home. Needless to say you’re going to want a professional that knows the ins and outs of proper ventilation while also being able to take care of all your roofing needs. At Grand Rapids Home Pros we have years of experience dealing with this very thing and are more than capable of tackling whatever issues you are facing. Schedule an appointment today to get a free estimate and inspection on your Grand Rapids Michigan home.
