Moisture poses risks such as condensation, mold, shingle decay, structural harm and more. Subpar installation, inexperienced contractors and suboptimal materials can all jeopardize your roof’s health and longevity. In rainy regions, your roof faces additional challenges from harsh elements, which, if ignored, can lead to costly repairs and unsafe living conditions.  

As previously mentioned, neglected moisture build up can form because of physical roof damage. 

Flat- and low-sloped roofing are at high risk for costly damages if not installed correctly and maintained. Leaks cause structural rot namely by cracks on a flat roof. However, the rot may have also been caused by a poorly ventilated attic. 

A client noticed wet spots on their ceiling and realized it was time to call a professional. Upon inspection, we were able to tell that the previous contractor framed an additional flat roof section but had left out one important detail. There was no exhaust ventilation. Poorly ventilated attics often have high moisture levels, and it doesn’t take much moisture to rot wood and other organic materials. In fact, it only takes a moisture level of 20% to start the decaying process! 

If your contractor deems a poorly ventilated attic to be the main culprit, installing a ventilation system should remedy the problem.  

So, your roof has no ventilation. What’s happening? 

There are several detrimental situations that can occur if a roof has no ventilation. Here’s a peak of what could be happening. 

Mold growth 

Mold loves warm, shaded, moist environments, and an unventilated attic is prime conditions for mold. Not only does mold grow cause decay in your roofing and structures but it is also harmful to your health. 

Condensation 

When the temperature inside your attic gets too hot, it can cause the air to hold more moisture. This moisture can then condense on the cold surfaces in your attic, leading to mold and mildew growth. Increased moisture can also lead to rust issues with metal components, such as flashing and nails.  

Shingle deterioration 

Insufficient heat ventilation can cause one of the more serious problems in one’s house: shingle deterioration. Increased heat can cause the asphalt in your shingles to break down, making them more susceptible to wind and rain damage. And when this happens, you can end up with leaks and other expensive repairs on your hands, not to mention unhealthy gasses that are released into the air. 

Structural damage 

Structural damage is one of the most serious problems moisture can cause. When warm temperatures build up in your attic from poor ventilation, the framing materials begin to fluctuate with the temperature. This will continue to weaken them over time which could ultimately lead to the collapse of your roof. One major sign of roofing beams sustaining damage is when you spot bowing or sagging. 

As you can see, there are many problems that can occur if your roof is not properly ventilated. If you’re concerned that your roof isn’t properly ventilated, the best thing to do is to contact a company like Premo Roofing. Our team of trained professionals can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action. 

Ventilation is an important part of roof maintenance, so don’t neglect it! Make sure your roof has adequate ventilation to avoid problems like rot, mold growth, and structural damage. Living on the Monterey Peninsula can have wet weather conditions that can be harmful to your roof. Schedule routine maintenance and inspections to keep your roof healthy. 

Original article source: Rooferscoffeeshop.com

At Premo Roofing we focus on helping people solve their roofing problems.  Whether it’s a small roof leak, minor repair, mossy roofs, or a total replacement, Premo Roofing’s Team of skilled craftsman are ready to help.