Roof Ventilation and Winter Weather

Most homeowners know that proper roof ventilation in the summer months is important for removing heat and moisture from their attic.  In turn that helps keep cooling costs lower and preserve the structural soundness of the attic components as well as personal property that may be stored in the attic.  But many homeowners might not know that proper roof ventilation in the winter months is just as important.   

Inadequate roof ventilation causes large temperature differences between air in the attic and the air outside of the home.  In the winter this can lead to several problems.  One of the most common is ice damming and ice building up in the gutters.  If the damming is severe enough it can cause ice to build up under the shingles which may leak into the home.  It is also important to point out that both ice damming and ice buildup in the gutters can damage shingles and shorten the life of your roof. 

With winter just around the corner now is the time to check for proper roof ventilation. The good news is that you can easily determine if your roof has the proper ventilation in just a few minutes and without the need to call a professional.  On a sunny day take a look in your attic.  You are looking for daylight, not darkness.  If you do not see any, then you likely have an issue.  However, if you see daylight coming from the peak of your roof near the box or ridge vents as well as from the bottom at the eaves, then that is a sign of ventilation. 

If you would rather not do this yourself or have concerns about your roof ventilation you can contact Feazel for a free inspection.  Adding proper roof ventilation, even after the fact, can prevent problems and prolong the life of your roof. 

Feazel is a trusted residential home services company in Ohio serving Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and surrounding areas.  We have built our reputation by offering superior roofing, windows, siding, gutters, chimneys, masonry, skylights, insulation and more.  Call or visit us online to learn more about any of the services we offer.