You already know your HVAC system works harder in the summer to keep your home cool. What you might not realize is your roof has a huge effect on how efficiently it can do its job. A common issue with your roof that you might not even be aware of can disrupt the natural flow of air, causing heat to get trapped.
The secret to preventing all that? Roof ventilation, especially proper roof vents, because roof vents stop the "oven effect" for Austin-area homes.
Roof ventilation is crucial for the overall well-being of your home and your family. But there are only a few things you can do about it from a “DIY” perspective. Removing any boxes and heavy objects you have stored in the attic is a good step because it allows air to flow freely throughout the space.
To make a noticeable difference, though, roof vents matter most.
Most roof vents use convection to move hot air out of the attic since it naturally wants to rise. Roof vents also help during the winter months by venting moisture. That could save you hundreds of dollars on roof repair in Austin.
Okay, onto the main topic of this blog post:
These two vents work in combination, with the soffit vents placed under the house’s eaves. That ensures the transfer of cooler air into the attic and hotter air out of it. The right size and design for your vents depend on your home, including the pitch of the roof and your total square footage.
These vents sit under the roof’s ridge, letting the hot air out. Along with soffits under the eaves, you’ll get an even and efficient venting effect across the whole roof. Ridge roof vents are very popular because they are simple and effective.
These vents drive air out of the attic using solar-powered motors. They have thermostats that automatically switch them on when the attic is too hot.
Various static specialty roof vents are used along the roof ridge when space isn’t sufficient for regular ridge vents.
Even if you are happy with your home’s temperature and energy efficiency, new roof vents are still a good idea.
It’s no surprise to any Austin homeowner that each part of your home helps support better performance from all the rest. The roof is one of the most critical elements of your home, and the conditions there affect the entire building. An overheated roof not only leads to a hotter home but one with more maintenance issues.
There are some surprising ways that roof venting can benefit the rest of your home:
Improve the Lifespan of Your Insulation-
Your roof’s insulation is another vital contributor to a healthy heat cycle. Insulation is a protective thermal cladding that acts as your built-in barrier against unwanted gain and loss of heat. Warm insulation sits right under the roof itself. Although dealing with heat is its job, it can get overworked and degenerate over time.
Insulation loss happens over years in any home, but it is accelerated with ventilation issues. If a leak develops, even a small amount of moisture added to damaged older insulation might cause it to melt away. Roof venting can add years to the life of insulation, which may allow you to avoid replacing it before a home is sold.
Safeguard Your Shingles Against Heat-
Roof vents also safeguard your shingles against heat damage. Sustained high temperatures in the attic can “bake” your shingles from below. You might notice signs of this problem if you spot shingles bubbling or curling in the summer, especially when no other weather has contributed to the problem.
Without roof venting, you’ll see that warping, damage to the adhesive layer, and loss of protective granules all result. Those effects make your roof more vulnerable to future rain, wind, and hail. If you suspect your shingles are damaged, be sure to get a professional roofing inspection so you can get to the bottom of the issue.
When heat is trapped in the attic, it naturally seeps into the rest of your home, “fighting” your air conditioning. This leads to three major problems that last all summer long --
-Your home will be less comfortable, especially during the high heat of the day
-You will spend more on electricity trying to maintain your desired temperature
-The extra work your HVAC does accelerate wear and tear, leading to failure
Prevent Your Air Conditioning from Overloading-
No matter the size of your home, electricity is one of your biggest expenses. The major contributors to those costs are your lighting and your home’s air conditioning. As your air conditioning ages, it works harder to maintain the temperature you want. Roof venting gives it a competitive advantage.
The cost of replacing a standard residential air conditioning unit is no joke. If the compressor unit, which helps pressurize and distribute the refrigerant, fails, then a full replacement is inevitable. The compressor is also the component that works the hardest under adverse conditions – especially noonday heat.
Roof venting is much more affordable and helps you reduce the cost of owning your home.
Professional Roof Venting Installation Gets You Real Value in Austin-
To give you the results you expect, roof venting needs to be installed by professionals you can trust. It’s essential to measure out the vent size and spacing correctly. If any details are overlooked, it won’t solve your ventilation problem – instead, you’ll have a different problem to deal with in the future.
At Longhorn Roofing, we have the experience and expertise to get the job done right the first time. No matter the size or precise dimensions of your home, we’ll create the ideal roof venting strategy to improve airflow. To find out more or get started, contact us today.