The significant changes in temperature between the different seasons in central PA make proper attic ventilation important when it comes to maximizing the useful life of your roof and staying healthy. In the summer, attics tend to trap hot, stale air. Without proper ventilation, the attic stays hot for a long time and fresh air is prevented from circulating. It might seem like a minor inconvenience, but bad attic ventilation can impact your utility bills, the life of your roof, and even your health.
The best way to fix bad attic ventilation is usually to call a professional Central Pa roofing company. However, before you pick up the phone, educate yourself to make sure you know the warning signs and have the background knowledge to choose the right roofing contractor.
Read on to learn about how to spot the signs of poor attic ventilation and what to do about it when you spot the signs.
Signs of Poor Attic Ventilation
To get the help you need with your air quality from central PA roofers, you first need to identify if there’s a problem. The good news is that once you know what to look for, spotting poor ventilation is easy. Here are four of the most common signs.
1. Shingle and Roof Warping
If you notice there’s warping or curling in the shape of your roof from outside, there’s likely a problem with the decking underneath the shingles. This is due to excess moisture caused by too much hot air in your attic.
2. Energy Bills Going Up
Have you experienced a sudden and unexpected rise in your energy costs recently? Without proper ventilation expelling the hot air, your HVAC system is having to work twice as hard as normal to cool your home, leading to higher energy bills for you.
3. Rust
Look for any signs of rust in your attic on nail heads and light fixtures. When too much hot air is in your attic, there is more water in the air which causes rust.
4. Allergy Symptoms
With poor ventilation comes fungi spores or mold, which can cause or worsen common allergy symptoms. In bad cases, you can easily spot this in your attic. If the underside of the roof plywood or decking has a dark coating between the rafters, it is time to take action.
How You Can Fix Bad Attic Ventilation
Once you’ve spotted the signs of poor attic ventilation, it’s time to take action. Fixing the attic ventilation is best done at the same time as when you are replacing your roof. Unfortunately, many central PA roofers will overlook the ventilation issues in an effort to keep their price down and provide the lowest bid. If you’re in the market for a new roof, be sure your chosen Central Pa roofing company addresses the ventilation issues, even if it costs more upfront. If you already have a new roof but are suspicious that the ventilation is incorrect, find a central Pa roofing contractor with a good service and repair team to assess possible solutions and take action as soon as possible. The cost today will save you in the long run. Proper attic ventilation provides a good return on investment by lengthening the life of your roof, lowering HVAC costs, and keeping you at your healthiest!
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