A roofer in San Antonio will recommend adding ventilation to your home. They’ll tell it helps regulate the temperatures underneath the surface and prevent the need for unnecessary repairs.
But is that true? How does it work? And why is it so necessary?
Keep reading to find out!
What Is Ventilation?
Ventilation is added airflow to the region under your roof, and it prevents damage that results from extreme temperatures.
For example, ventilation keeps the attic temperature from dropping too low in the winter, effectively preventing ice dams and warping. Similarly, hot summer air will be able to escape your home and prevent added air conditioning costs.
How It Works
Ventilation is created in an attic using a series of vents and spaces built between sections of the structure. A common type is called a ridge vent, where a grate is added at the peak of a roof.
In the line created at the highest point where shingles meet, your roofer in San Antonio will add a small vertical vent. The addition runs lengthwise along the peak before sealing the top of the ridge with shingles. It acts like an exhaust pipe, letting air escape from the attic.
The top structure couples with another vent toward the bottom of your roof. Air flows into the attic, circulates, then releases from the peak. This vertical flow of air is very effective in maintaining suitable temperatures for your roof’s underlayment.
How Ventilation Helps
Now you understand what the process is and how it works. Read below to see the benefits ventilation has on your home.
Keeps Summer Temperatures Lower
When summer temperatures spike, your roof absorbs thermal energy, causing the underlayer and attic to heat up. Without a form of ventilation built-in by your roofing company in San Antonio, the hot air can’t escape.
In extreme cases, this can cause materials to lose form, resulting in shifting and warping.
Prevents Freezing Over
Wintertime low temperatures can be a problem for roofing in San Antonio because of the risk of freezing and materials expanding under the structure.
With ventilation methods in place, natural breezes will be able to circulate the air in your attic, so there is less risk of beams freezing and warping.
Prevents Ice Dams in the Winter
An ice dam is a buildup of ice above your gutters, preventing liquid water from flowing off the roof. Instead, pooling water will soak through to the underlayment and cause severe water damage. In addition, it can cause shingles to shift and erode, which is difficult and expensive to repair.
If an ice dam were to slide off your home, it could also become a dangerous falling object. Luckily, with the temperature regulation that ventilation provides, your roof is less likely to reach temperatures low enough for ice dams to form and pose any threat.
Looking To Add Ventilation To Your Home?
If you plan to install a new roof in San Antonio, make sure you ask for ventilation and take the extra measures to have it installed! Otherwise, installing ventilation in your current structure may be expensive, but it will prevent future damage and costs!
It will save you money on energy bills and prevent damage to your shingles and underlayer by keeping the temperature moderate during extreme seasons.