Help Homeowners Avoid The Consequences.
Most homeowners don’t know when they have poor attic ventilation. Unfortunately, this can lead to all kinds of problems, from excessive wear and tear on HVAC units (and higher utility bills) to mold growth which can negatively impact the health of everyone living under that roof. As a roofing professional, you should consider educating your customers and prospective customers about the importance of proper ventilation. It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s a smart business move as it could lead to increased sales.
Share the signs of poor attic ventilation below with your market and offer professional inspection services to determine if attic ventilation is performing correctly or if it is potentially causing problems for unsuspecting homeowners.
Mold or Mildew:
This is a dangerous indicator of improper attic ventilation. Leaks or damp areas are possible signs of a mold or mildew problem. Discolored patches from black and dark green to white, or even orange and pink may indicate the presence of mold or mildew, as can a damp, musty smell. If left untreated, mold and mildew won’t just deteriorate the plywood and drywall in the home, it can harm the residents’ respiratory health as well.
Moisture:
Leaks and damp areas are mentioned above, but they are serious enough for a second mention. If warm air isn’t ventilated properly, it becomes trapped against your attic ceiling and can cause condensation which leads to mold and other problems. Look for rusted nails, water stains, and condensation on plywood and other hard surfaces.
Excessive Attic Heat:
The best time to inspect for this is during winter months when the ideal attic temperature should be similar to ambient outdoor temperatures. If the attic is much warmer, it’s a sign that poor ventilation is trapping hot air in the attic’s highest points. This can overwork the home’s HVAC system and create uneven roof temperatures which can cause ice dams.
Ice Dams:
Ice dams can be caused by excessive attic heat as described above. Without proper ventilation, the steeper parts of the roof trap warmer air which melts snow on the roof exterior above it. This melted snow then drips down and refreezes on the lower areas of the roof which are cooler. This creates ice dams around the base of the roof that can cause leaks along with shingle and structural damage to the home.
Damaged Shingles:
Most homeowners only carefully look at their shingles after a large storm or wind event. Cracked, curled or brittle shingles, however, can be a sign of poor attic ventilation. Without proper ventilation, the extreme roof temperatures can damage shingles, which then leaves roof decking and everything underneath unprotected.
Poor attic ventilation is something that should be corrected as soon as possible. Otherwise, it can quickly lead to costly damage and dangerous health conditions. When you build a new roof, be sure to use superior ventilation products like those from Marco and avoid those problems altogether. If you receive inspection work from promoting the info above and find improper ventilation, Marco’s complete line of ventilation solutions will help you put things right and offer your customers peace of mind. To learn more, visit www.MarcoIndustries.com. To contact us directly, you can email or call 1-800-800-8590.
