The crisp, dry winter air can make it easy to forget that indoor spaces, particularly the attic, can trap moisture within and cause damage to the roof. In today’s post, the local roofing and siding contractors at Ken Morton & Sons LLC discuss how trapped heat and humidity in the attic can affect your roof.
Heat, Humidity and the Attic
Most of today’s roofs are built with timber or a wood-based composite, which means prolonged contact with warm and humid air can result in long-term damage.
- Wood Rot. Moisture causes organic materials to rot, and wood is not exempt from it. Unless you have your attic inspected regularly, you probably won’t notice signs of rot until after it has spread — in extreme cases, wood rot has been known to cause warped rooflines, even a complete collapse. Roofing materials like wood shakes may also be affected.
- Mold. Heat, moisture and the absence of sunlight are favorable conditions for mold growth. Like rot, mold can spread unseen, to the point where it’s causing foul odors and triggering respiratory diseases and allergies. Remediation usually takes a lot of work, and can cost more than roof repairs.
- Corrosion. The metal parts in the attic can be susceptible to corrosion from exposure to moisture. One of the most outward signs is streaks of rust coming from nail heads.
- Ice dams. Trapped heat in the attic can contribute to the formation of ice dams. Heat radiating from the roof melts the snow on top, which flows and refreezes as it reaches the roof’s edge, eventually forming a dam-shaped ridge.
How To Protect Your Roof From Heat and Humidity
Fortunately, the problems described above are preventable. The first thing you need to do is make sure that the roof is properly ventilated. Most sloped roofs are built with exhaust vents at the ridge and intake vents at the soffits. If the attic still feels warm and humid, then the vents are not enough, and additional vents or fans may need to be installed. Have your roof inspected by your roofer for the right ventilation solutions.
Taking steps to control heat and moisture coming from your indoor spaces can help reduce what ends up in the attic. Your bathroom and laundry room have ventilation fans for this purpose. The same goes for the range hood over your stove. Opening the windows in your home for at least 15 minutes a day can also help flush out heat and humidity, along with indoor air pollutants. Lastly, check your attic at least once a year as part of your roof’s maintenance routine. If you notice signs of excessive heat and humidity, contact your roofer.
Searching for “roofers near me” in Sewell, NJ? No need — give Ken Morton & Sons LLC a call at (856) 582-8800, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
