Does Your Calgary Home Need Roof Ventilation?

The roof to your home does many things that most of us seldom consider - protecting everything and everyone within your home or business; keeps you comfortable and safe from leaks; and, provides function as well as curb appeal. At Century Roofing Limited, we understand that and have since 1981, providing strong, durable roofing and exterior/siding to homes throughout Central and Southern Alberta and Eastern British Columbia.

However, your roof is a system and if any part of that system is inadequate or not working properly, it could lead to significant problems and increased energy cost for you the home or business owner. At first it may seem odd to add insulation for warmth and then purposely allow cold air to enter the attic through vents, but this combination is the key to a durable and energy-efficient home. Roofing experts say the majority of U.S. homes do not have proper roof ventilation, which can lead to severe roof damage. In Canada, Natural Resources Canada notes that building codes still require minimum attic ventilation, with the ratio of vent area to ceiling area approximately 1 to 300.

Why? In the summer, excess heat that builds up in the attic with nowhere to go can create temperatures in excess of 150 degrees, which may scorch shingles and roofing material, leading to premature replacement. In the winter, allowing cool air into the attic through intake vents will help prevent ice dam formation, an overly warm attic is the main cause of ice damming according to Energy Star. Poor ventilation also can contribute to condensation, mold, and mildew in the attic.

Proper insulation will resist heat and cold transfer into the house. The most common mistake homeowners make when installing insulation is they block the flow of air at the eaves, this prevents outside air from coming in and attic air from exiting. Rafter vents ensure the soffit vents are clear and there is a channel for outside air to move into the attic at the soffits and out through the gable or ridge vent. Rafter vents should be placed in your attic ceiling in between the rafters at the point where your attic ceiling meets your attic floor. Once they are in place, you can then place the batts or blankets, or blow insulation, right out to the very edge of the attic floor. Creating continuous airflow from under the eaves to the exhaust ridge, on top of the roof, will push the heated air out of the attic. The goal is to get your attic temperature as close to the outside air temperature as possible.

Roofing Contractors in Calgary
Because improper attic ventilation can void roof warranties and lead to expensive roof replacement, experts recommend contacting roofing contractors to assess ventilation needs, like the family-owned Century Roofing Limited. We handle virtually everything having to do with roofing. Whether your home or business is in need of maintenance to siding, soffit and fascia, roof or eavestroughing, we will carefully assess all damage, provide you with a written estimate, and effect repairs efficiently. We are careful to respect your property; we do our best to maintain a tidy work area and clean up before departing. To plan your next project and get a free estimate, contact Century Roofing Limited at 403-235-5457 today.