How Attic Insulation and Ventilation Can Extend the Life of Your Roof!

By Millstream Construction

How long does a roof last? It’s hard to give a cut-and-dry answer to this question. A roof’s lifespan depends not only on the materials used to construct it but also on how it is constructed. Attic insulation and ventilation, for example, are two roofing components that are often overlooked. However, ventilation and insulation both have a significant impact on your roof’s lifespan. A properly insulated, well-ventilated roof will last significantly longer than one without insulation or ventilation. Keep reading to learn how and discover tips for improving your roof’s ventilation and insulation. 

Insulation, Ventilation, and Longevity

Insulation exists to help slow the transfer of heat. In the winter, good attic insulation keeps heat from escaping through your roof. In the summer, attic insulation keeps your home cooler by reducing the transfer of heat into your home.

Ventilation allows for airflow through the attic. A well-ventilated attic won’t feel overly stuffy. Instead, it should receive enough air movement to keep the space dry and comfortable. There are many kinds of roof vents, but the most commonly seen ones are ridge vents and soffit vents. Ridge vents stretch along the length of a roof’s central ridge, whereas soffit vents are smaller vents positioned under the eaves.

Insulation and ventilation work together to protect your roof and extend its lifespan in a few different ways.

Reducing Heat Exposure

Shingles and other roof materials degrade much faster if frequently exposed to high temperatures. If your attic is well insulated and ventilated, less heat will pass through the roofing materials. This heat reduction will help prevent shingles from becoming brittle and crumbly prematurely.

Reducing Moisture Exposure

An attic that lacks ventilation will quickly become humid, causing any existing insulation to deteriorate. Then, you’ll have a problem with both heat and humidity in the attic! This, in turn, can accelerate the growth of mold, mildew, and even moss on your roofing. A roof that’s growing mold or moss won’t last very long.

Preventing Ice Dams

In New England, where we get plenty of winter snow, ice dams are a significant threat to roofs. Ice dams are those big ledges of ice that form along the edges of roofs. They can cause shingles to peel, gutters to fail, and roofing nails to pop. If you can prevent ice dams from forming, your roof will last much longer. And it just so happens that good ventilation and insulation are the keys to ice dam prevention.

If your roof is not well-vented and insulated, heat will escape from the attic directly through the roof. This heat will cause snow near the peak to melt and trickle down before re-freezing along the roof’s edge, forming ice dams. On the other hand, if your vents and insulation keep your roof cooler, that snow won’t melt until temperatures rise above freezing – and you won’t get ice dams.

Improving Your Insulation

How do you know if your roof is well insulated? First off, you should take a look inside the attic. If you see two layers of fiberglass insulation, you’re probably in the clear. If you only have one layer, you may want to consider having another layer added. Another option is to hire a roofing company to install blown-in insulation in your attic. This type of insulation fits into all the nooks and crannies, increasing efficiency.

You may also need to have your insulation improved or replaced if you notice any of the following issues:

• Black spots on your existing insulation; these are usually mold
• Moisture or water droplets on or around your insulation
• Ice dams forming on your roof
• The upstairs of your home feels overly hot in the summer or cold in the winter

Improving Your Ventilation

Your roof’s ventilation requirements will depend on its layout and construction. Every home is a bit different. However, most roofs perform best with a ridge vent and some soffit vents. Fresh air enters through the soffit vents, and hot air leaves through the ridge vent. Look along your roof’s ridge and under the soffits to see whether you have both vents. If not, ask your roofer whether they suggest adding them. 

The other major sign that your attic ventilation needs improvement is high humidity. Poke your head up into your attic a few times, especially during the summer months. If your attic feels more like a sauna, your ventilation probably needs improvement.

 

When considering the replacement of attic insulation or improvements in attic ventilation, be sure to hire a reputable, professional roofing contractor. They can calculate exactly how much insulation is needed and what types of vents will give you the best results. 

Proper insulation and ventilation can save countless dollars on roof repairs and replacement over the years. Contact Millstream Construction if you’re looking for roofing services in Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Massachusetts. We offer roof repairs, roof replacements, insulation services, and more.