When heated air builds up in your attic or the upper crawlspace of your home, it can cause damage and warping of the wood. On particularly hot days, the trapped heat can quickly reach temperatures of over 150 degrees. Combine the hot air with moisture and condensation that can form, and you've got the recipe for costly damage.
If you are not properly ventilating your attic or crawlspace, you can experience degradation ad warping of the plywood roof deck after only a few years. The wood may be susceptible to dry rot because of the condensation, and the adhesive glue used on the plywood will deteriorate over time due to the hot and humid conditions.
The metal in the attic will start to sweat and will produce condensation. This moisture will eventually cause the metal to rust. That means your plumbing, ductwork and even exposed nail heads can form oxidation and fall apart. This is more prevalent in humid climates, where rusted metal in the attic can break apart and cause pieces of the roof, the ductwork or the pipes inside the attic to collapse.
In colder climates or during the winter season, your attic and roof deck are susceptible to frost. Insulation alone will trap that moisture inside and eventually lead to your plywood roof deck to develop dry rot. The trapped moisture also can lead to the development of dangerous molds and fungi, which can cause serious health and respiratory problems.
These problems and expensive repair bills can be avoided by making sure your roof and attic have ventilation. There are many different types of household roof and attic ventilation systems, including ridge vents, turbine vents, gable vents, static vents and cupola vents. Each variety of ventilation system circulates air in your attic or crawlspace differently. Some systems are more effective than others, depending on the design of your roof, the climate you live in, and the size of your attic.
To ensure your attic is being ventilated properly, you must have intake and exhaust vents. Intake vents are located on the eaves of the roof and allow air to enter in from the bottom. Exhaust vents are located on the top, or the ridge, of the roof and serve as an escape for the air to leave the attic. Hot air rises and the exhaust vents on the roof coupled with the intake vents on the downside create a natural airflow that circulates air from the bottom up. This circulation prevents hot air build up and allows moisture to escape, thereby minimizing the risk of expensive damage to your home's upper structure.
Installing a ventilation system in your home's attic will ensure that you get the most out of your home's roof. You won't have to worry about the aesthetic value of the vents, because most ventilation systems can barely be noticed. Make sure you have a proper air circulation system installed to prevent damage and keep your roof in like-new condition.