One of the things most often overlooked is proper roof ventilation against the unforgiving Texas heat. The battle against the heat is one commonly lost for many roofs across Dallas, TX. Just how important is ventilation you ask? Lets examine some of the issues that occur right above our heads.
- Premature deterioration of the roof system. Shingle deterioration is often the most visible and obvious sign. This deterioration detrimentally affects the life of the shingle and can quickly lead to the failure of the entire roofing system
- Increased energy bills. When the head that is trapped in your attic is not properly exhausted it causes your air conditioner unit to work much longer and harder.
- Improper ventilation can cause moisture to build up in the attic space eventually trapping itself in your insulation and wood. This moisture can quickly lead to mold and mildew buildup and even wood rot. Another evident sign of how moisture can deteriorate a roof is when it causes deck warping. This is caused by increased moisture and heat warping the wood decking below the shingles on the roof causing it to bend and buckle causing the roof to become unsightly and uneven.
“Shingle deterioration is often the most visible and obvious sign. This deterioration detrimentally affects the life of the shingle and can quickly lead to the failure of the entire roofing system”
How does a proper roof ventilation system work? There are many different ways to ventilate a roof, however, no matter which you choose the concept is the same. By drawing fresh outside air in from the lower intake vents located at the downslope edge of the roof or eaves and venting it through the higher vents located at or near the ridge line of the roof, your attic is able to breathe and regulate the temperature of the roof especially in the hot summers of Dallas. How do you know if you have the proper amount of ventilation? First you must speak to a professional to properly determine the amount of ventilation your roof requires. Most Dallas roofs have some type of ventilation, however one study says 9 out of 10 homes in Dallas lack proper ventilation for their roof size. A good rule of thumb is for every 300 square feet of attic ceiling space you need at least one square foot of attic ventilation.
When getting a new roof or doing repairs to your current one, ask your Dallas area contractor about getting proper ventilation for your roof. It is a relatively low cost and low risk preventative solution that can save you thousands of dollars in energy bills and roof replacement costs over the lifetime of your roof.