Do you freeze downstairs and sweat up? If so, the problem might not be your HVAC system or even faulty ductwork. The problem might be attic ventilation or, rather, a lack thereof.
When you live in the Nashville, Nolensville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Columbia, or Franklin, you’re intimately familiar with the heat and humidity of Tennessee’s summers. If your roofing system was not designed to keep up with it, then your upstairs living area may be uncomfortable throughout the warm weather months. More than just insulation, your attic access must have a balanced ventilation system to help remove warm air that gets trapped underneath your roof.
According to technicians at QE Roofing, the temperature in your attic can reach almost twice outdoor temperatures. On a 90° day, your attic may reach 170°. The attic floor will likely only be around 30° cooler than that. This means every room underneath the attic will be warmer than those on the lower floor of your home. Proper ventilation can help this hot air escape and, importantly, can keep your roofing system in top shape.
Trapped heat can cause problems with the lamination on your roof decking. This means the adhesive that holds it together deteriorates. Over time the layers in your plywood or OSB board will separate causing buckling in your roof.
A properly ventilated roof is also important in the cooler winter month. Because heat rises, warmth and humidity can get trapped in your attic. The resulting condensation can cause issues, such as a wavy roof and even mold and mildew. Alarmingly, moisture-rotted wood is an open buffet for termites.
Roofing Ventilation Types
There are two primary types of roofing ventilation. These are active and passive. An active vent may look like a turbine. These work through convection, which draws heat out through the vent openings. An example of a passive attic ventilation system is a “turtle box.” These are essentially covered slots cut into your roof that utilize the force of the wind to circulate air in and out.
Poor Attic Ventilation Signs
It’s not that difficult to determine if your attic is ventilated or not. A quick examination of the exterior of your home will easily show you whether or not vents are present. But, how do you know that these are working or even installed properly? A few things your roofing contractor might look for include curling or blistering shingles, vents holes being the proper size and soffit vents. Further, your contractor may ask about your energy bills, and anything outside of the norm for your area may indicate a serious problem with your attic ventilation system.
You don’t have to live with a poorly ventilated attic. QE Roofing can examine your roof and ensure that you have proper airflow so that your home stays at just the right temperature all year round. We offer top-notch roofing services throughout Nashville, Franklin, Nolensville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and Columbia.
QE Roofing is experienced in all roofing systems, building types, and materials.