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Proper air circulation is essential to keep your home fresh and moisture level low. High moisture content leads to expensive maintenance issues, including roof repair. Understanding this ensures the comfort of your home and reduced visits from roof contractors for maintenance as well as reduces the chances of poor attic and roof ventilation.
Common damage that occurs from improper or poor ventilation for your attic:
Roof Deterioration
Inadequate air circulation in the attic deteriorates the roofing, costing you unnecessary repairs and expensive roof replacement. The most common issue roofing contractors encounter is saggy decking and rust accumulation that increases the risk of damage.
Moisture and heat build-up weakens the adhesive holding the deck together. It also causes decking rot, affecting the functionality of the shingles and underlayment. Nails, fasteners, and other metals used to support your roof can rust away if the problem goes unchecked.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are a common predicament without proper ventilation. This happens when thick ridges of ice form on the roof edge, obstructing the melting snow to the drain from the roof. The accumulated water can refreeze or leak into your home. This damages not just your roofing shingles and may require extensive roof repair. Once the problem arises, it is best to contact your local roof expert to deal with ice dams before they damage your roof.
Mold and Mildew
Poor ventilation creates a humid atmosphere where mold and mildew can thrive and spread quickly. Once they start growing along the beams, ceilings, furniture, and other organic stuff you store in your attic, it can do more than roof damage. Molds and mildews can also cause serious health problems.
Insulation
The performance of your insulation in the attic diminishes with the built-up of heat and moisture. This causes it to clump or flatten, decreasing its ability to mitigate heat transfer. Sufficient ventilation allows your insulation to perform better, saving you cash for heating and cooling, roof replacement and maintenance, and molds and mildew build-ups.
Deschutes Roofing & Insulation provides experienced insulation contractors throughout Oregon for insulation and ventilation. Call us at 541-241-5720 (Bend), 503-928-8750 (Beaverton), 503-468-7663 (Lake Oswego), 503-967-9590 (Portland), and 541-246-6860 (Eugene).