Keep heat under control with attic ventilation

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Since the energy crisis of the ’70s, the climate of our attics has taken on more importance as we have insulated, weather-stripped and sealed our homes in Saran Wrap.

The idea of actually allowing a part of our home to be cold—and to do it intentionally—can give one the chills! But your attic is unlike other areas of your home, performs different functions and, to do its job, must be allowed to breathe!

The obvious benefit of increased ventilation in the warmer months is a lower attic temperature, which can decrease cooling costs in the home. In the warmer months, a not-so-obvious effect of lower attic temperatures is increased roof shingle life. Though asphalt shingles are designed to take the abuse of the sun for many years, they are subjected to greater temperatures when the roof decking is allowed to overheat.

In the cooler months, moisture is the most serious concern. Moisture condensing on the framing members and the underside of the roof deck can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.

As if that wasn’t enough, relative warm and cold spots on the inside of the roof deck can lead to the nightmare of ice dams and their associated leaks when the roof is covered in snow.

Don’t get left out in the cold—call Pacific West Roofing for a free evaluation of your roof’s ventilation. Let us help your attic deliver the best performance it can!

Pacific West Roofing

9360 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Rd, Tualatin, OR 97062

(503) 850-0680

http://www.pacificwestroofing.com

CCB# 169414