Roof and Attic Ventilation

         Poor Attic Ventilation Can Ruin Your Insulation, Destroy Your Shingles, and Even Raise Your Energy Bills. An estimated 9 out of 10 homes in North America do not have proper attic ventilation. Why? Because most people are unaware that attic ventilation can impact the longevity of their entire home!
With improper attic ventilation:
 In the summer, attic heat can build in excess of 160°F; the super-heated air eventually travels to living area below.
In the winter, showers, appliances, and cooking vapors can contribute to excess moisture build-up, which eventually soaks attic insulation and reduces its efficiency.
In cold northern climates, ice dams can form on roofs, which may force water back up under shingles and into the home.
These problems can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars due to:
• Premature aging of your roofing system (“fried” shingles)
• Warping, cracking, rotting, or breaking down of wood framing
• Damage to siding, exterior or interior paint, ceilings, and walls
• Roof deck warping
• Buckling of shingles and felt
• Higher energy cost
Proper attic ventilation consists of a balance between air intake (at your eaves or soffits) and air exhaust (at or near your roof ridge). The Federal Housing Administration recommends a minimum of at least 1 square foot of attic ventilation (both intake and exhaust) for every 300 square feet of attic space. Proper attic ventilation systems allow a continual flow of outside air through the attic, protecting insulation efficiency and helping lower living space temperatures, which adds to your home’s longevity! Inadequate attic ventilation can often be attributed to homes having little or no intake ventilation.

• Ridge Vents are your best overall value in attic ventilation. They feature low installed cost with superior performance—and they won’t detract from the finished appearance of your roof!
• Power Ventilators (roof or gable mount) are your best overall investment in attic ventilation. While they may cost more to install than other types of ventilation, they remove the greatest volume of hot and/or humid air from your attic, saving you more in energy costs than other types of ventilation.

• Gable mount attic ventilators are a great choice for exhaust ventilation because they are the easiest power vent to install and won’t detract from the appearance of your roof!
• Whole House Fans are smart energy savers for any climate where air conditioning costs are a concern. They allow you to beat the heat by forcing hot air out of your home while bringing in cooler outside air. Whole house fans are an important part of a complete home ventilating system! (Designed for homes over 1,000 square feet.)

Abracadabra Roofing serves Roanoke, VA and surrounding counties
For a free estimate on your roof call 540-977-0045
Abracadabra Roofing endorses GAF brand roofing ventilation systems.