What is Attic Ventilation?
Roof ventilation is an important part of any home, and it’s especially important for your Michigan roof. Whether you’re replacing or installing a new roof, you want to make sure your attic gets the air it needs to stay cool and dry. Ventilation is also key to keeping mold and mildew out of your attic space—something that can be notoriously hard to get rid of once established in this moist environment.
Attic ventilation is the process of creating airflow within your attic. This improves the health and lifespan of your roof, as well as prevents mold. Most modern homes have adequate ventilation for the space they occupy. However, older homes may require additional vents, especially when it comes to re-roofing your home in the future.
Why Ventilation is Important for Roof Installation
Proper attic ventilation is important for a variety of reasons. One of the most common hazards that can damage your Michigan roof and home is ice dams. Ice dams develop when cold air travels down the outside of your home through cracks, causing water to freeze and expand on your shingles. As this ice melts in the early spring, it becomes easier for this water to leak into your attic. This can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and other serious problems over time if left unchecked. Keeping proper attic ventilation will prevent this from happening, since vents allow the exchange of warm air from inside your home to icy spots outside.
Don’t Buy into Ventilation Myths
There are a few myths circulating in the home marketplace. One of them is that ventilation is bad for your home. Some homeowners worry that ventilation will result in conditioned air will escape and make the house colder in cold Michigan winters—plus, increase the possibility of unwanted critters in the home. However, ventilation serves a very useful purpose: it regulates the temperature within your attic. By adding more vents and increasing air flow, you’ll help keep the temperature regulated so your home stays at a comfortable level year-round.
Ventilation Best Practices
When installing a new roof, it’s important to make sure the ventilation is up to snuff. The amount of ventilation needed depends on the size of your home and how much heat it absorbs during the summer months. In general, roofs should have 1 square foot of ventilation for every 300 square feet of ceiling area. This means if your attic has 4,000 sq ft, you’ll need 16 sq ft of passive attic vents or an active ridge venting system.
When choosing what type of venting system works best for you, talk with a professional at Herbert Roofing. We can help determine which method will work best based on factors such as:
- How much heat does my roof absorb?
- What home style do I have?
- How much headroom do I have in my attic?
Partner with Michigan Roofing Experts at Herbert Roofing
At Herbert Roofing, we are a family-owned and operated business that has been in business for nearly 50 years. We are proud to serve the greater Detroit area with our team of roofing experts.
We’re committed to providing you with the highest level of service from start to finish. Our team will work closely with you every step of the way—from design through installation and maintenance—to ensure that your new Michigan roof is constructed properly and looks great for years to come.
Contact us to learn more about attic ventilation and ensure your home is secure.
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