As a homeowner, you likely know the importance of your roofing system. It protects your house against precipitation, strong winds, debris, and other hazards, keeping your family safe and dry. But do you know how important roof ventilation is in this process?
If you don’t have the right air circulation system, your indoor climate and your roof’s longevity can suffer. Ventilation is especially important in Flagstaff’s intense summer sun and freezing winters.
Keep reading to learn how roof vents and proper airflow protects your home and your comfort. Want to improve the roof ventilation in your Flagstaff, AZ, house? Contact Polaris Roofing Systems today.
Understanding Roof Ventilation Systems
Roof ventilation is a method of allowing airflow through your attic. Without it, stale, hot air can become trapped in the top of your home, impacting the temperature and moisture levels throughout the property.
Unfinished attics need specialized ventilation to allow for continuous airflow through the space. Basic attic ventilation systems work by pulling in cool air through low vents, then allowing warm air to rise and exit higher vents near the roof ridge.
Several types of vents facilitate this process:
- Ridge vents: Vents that run along the roof’s peak
- Gable vents: Vents on the exterior walls near the peak
- Soffit vents: Vents located under the eaves
- Turbine vents: Vents that use wind power to improve air circulation
If you don’t have proper airflow, the hot sun will beat down on your Arizona home, heating your property and causing the HVAC system to work harder. The heat can also damage your roofing system.
Meanwhile, in the winter, warm air can escape from the living space into the attic. With nowhere to go, the air heats the roof, causing snow to melt and then refreeze. This process forms ice dams, which can damage the shingles.
How Does Roof Ventilation Benefit Your Home?
Roof ventilation isn’t optional for Arizona homes. A properly running system contributes to all of the following:
- Energy efficiency: Without adequate airflow, your HVAC system has to work much harder. Ventilation prevents hot air from accumulating in the attic and warming the rest of the house. You should notice your energy bills decrease after improving your ventilation system.
- Roof lifespan: The right ventilation system can prevent the sun from scorching your roof tiles and ice dams from forming. This helps you avoid costly repairs and get the most life out of your roof.
- Comfort: Proper air circulation helps your home stay at a comfortable temperature year-round.
- Moisture control: When air flows through the attic, it prevents the buildup of moisture that can lead to expensive and dangerous mold growth.
Signs Your Roof Ventilation Isn’t Up to Par
You probably don’t have the desire or expertise to go up to the attic and inspect the roof ventilation in person. Leave this job to the professionals at Polaris Roofing Systems. Instead, focus on a few warning signs that your ventilation may not be as effective as it should be:
- Your air conditioner runs constantly in the summer or requires frequent repairs.
- Your roofline or shingles appear warped.
- You see ice accumulating along the edges of your roof in the winter.
- Your family has begun experiencing allergy symptoms at home, which could be due to mold growth.
Unless you know for sure that your roof ventilation is up to par, it’s a good idea to schedule an roof inspection.
Schedule a Free Inspection With Polaris Roofing Systems Today
Prevent heat buildup and promote effective airflow balance in your roofing system with the help of our Flagstaff, AZ, contractors. Contact Polaris Roofing Systems today at 928-699-4840 to schedule your free roof inspection.
