Why Adequate Roof Ventilation Is Vital in Winter

Why is roof or attic ventilation so important, especially in winter? Well, without adequate ventilation, warm, humid air can’t exit your roof and attic, creating a damp environment that’s the perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold not only slowly eats away at wood but also causes allergy flare-ups, which is a big problem if you’re spending most of your time indoors. And don’t forget about the fact that excess moisture is the root cause of roofing issues. 

What are the other issues that might happen if your roof doesn’t have adequate ventilation? 

A close up of a roof with the words patriot roofing on the bottom

Ice Dams 

Remember:  Roofing  ventilation and insulation always go hand in hand. In addition to higher heating costs, another consequence of inadequate ventilation is ice dams. If there are gaps in the roof insulation or warm air can’t exit your roof or attic, the heat trapped in your roof will melt the snow on top. And as water from melted snow slides to the colder edges of your roof, it freezes again, depositing ice on the roof eaves and forming ice dams. 

Why are ice dams are a problem? They prevent water from flowing to your gutters, increasing the risk of roof leaks. 

How Much Ventilation Does Your Roof or Attic Need? 

In general, there should be a square foot of net free area (NFA)—the area through which air can pass through—every 300 square feet of floor area for attics with a vapor barrier. Keep in mind that more ventilation isn’t necessarily better—indoor airflow and pressure have to be balanced. Otherwise, the airflow in your roof or attic will be disrupted. If you’re not sure your roof is adequately ventilated, you should have a  roof repair  contractor inspect it. 

Looking for experienced roofers near you? 

The team at Patriot Roofing LLC has over 30 years of combined experience in the roofing industry. We offer a wide range of professional roofing services, including  gutter installation  services. To get a free estimate, call us at (405) 217-0473 or leave us a message  here. We serve homeowners in Norman as well as the surrounding OK communities. 

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