One of the most crucial aspects of your home is the roof. It provides protection from the elements, and with a waterproof seal, it protects your interior spaces as well. As you can imagine, if your roof suffers damage or becomes too old to provide adequate protection for your home’s top floor, it will need repair or replacement sooner rather than later. How can you know when that time has arrived, though? What are some warning signs that indicate that it might be time to call in a professional for help? Read on to find out.
Warped shingles
Due to poor ventilation in the attic, the shingles on your roof can become warped. This will cause them to look crooked and can lead to leaks. The reason as to why this happens is because moisture gets trapped between the shingles. This also makes it harder for your attic to stay cool during the summer, can cause your heating system to work harder than necessary in winter, and will decrease the life expectancy of your roof.
Shingles that are blistering
If you notice that your shingles are blistering, it’s a sign that they aren’t drying properly, and this could lead to water damage. Poor ventilation is often the culprit. Shingles blister when the adhesive that holds them to the roof fails. The moisture that is trapped under the shingles will cause the asphalt to melt and form blisters on the shingles. This can lead to more serious damage, such as leaks and cracks.
Mold growth
Mold needs three things to grow: moisture, food, and a warm environment. If you have any of these conditions in your attic, you could be at risk for mold growth. And as we all know, mold can be extremely harmful to your health.
So what can you do?
The best way to deal with insufficient ventilation in your attic is to have enough vents built into the roof. This will allow for cooler air to enter your attic during the summer months, which will help keep your shingles nice and dry. It also helps warm air escape during the colder months, which can prevent ice dams from forming on your roof and allows you to turn down your thermostat a few degrees.
Venting your attic is an important part of maintaining your roof and its ability to provide watertight protection for the top floor of your home. With proper ventilation, you can be sure that your roof will last for many years to come.
