Some folk think attic ventilation systems are just hot air. However, the truth is they extend your shingle life when properly installed, as well as managing your HVAC expenses down.
But the neatest of all is these passive systems generally don’t require energy to work. Unless something in your home design – or immediate environment – requires assistance from venting fans.
How Attic Ventilation Works – The Basic Principles
Attic ventilation is a balanced system of intake and exhaust, that allows a continuous flow of air in your roof. It helps reduce moisture and heat buildup in your roof space year round. Could you think of a reason your home should not have this critical intake and exhaust ventilation solution?
Furthermore, if you don’t have this smooth exchange of air, your shingles could deteriorate and shorten their design life. That’s why so many Canadians already have attic ventilation. They know the one-off expense will pay handsomely in their life time.
Your Biggest Shingle Risk is in The Winter
Heating appliances, cookers, warm showers and hot tubs all create moist warmth that rises into the attic. If there’s no attic ventilation then it stays there, accumulating to the point where it can cause mold, mildew and even wood rot on the underside of the roof deck.
The warmth also prevent the snow from settling on the asphalt tiles above. The slush can slide down gradually until it reaches the cooler edge above the eaves. This in turn encourages ice dams, but that’s a topic for another day.
You Are Not Out of the Woods in Summertime
When the sun blazes down on the roof on a hot summer’s day, the heat in the attic can rise to extreme temperature unless it has a way to escape. This heat convects through the ceiling – yes the insulation won’t stop it completely – and increases the temperature in the rooms below.
This means your HVAC cooling has to work harder, and you’ll notice the difference on your energy bills. Are you beginning to see the point of having a passive, labour-free attic ventilation system in your roof? It really does make sense.
Does Your Roof Meet the Standards of the Ventilation Code?
We have a responsibility to use as little energy as we can in these global warming days. Give Valiant Exteriors a call on (403)829-1661 or post them a note on their website if you would like free advice. They are your local attic ventilation ,and they know what they are about.
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