Signs You May Need An Attic Ventilation System
Unfortunately, not all homes are built with a good attic ventilation system. Whether it's because of the age of the house, an ineffective attic ventilation system was installed, or the builder took shortcuts they shouldn't have, the homeowner winds up with significant problems that need to be remedied.
Attic space, or crawl space, should remain cool in the winter. This is especially important in climates like we have here in the Kinston, NC area where high humidity is a problem and other areas who also experience snowfall and ice during the winter.
Snow and ice should be melting slowly and evenly off the roof. If the edges of your attic space are allowed to get warmer because of heat rising from the interior of your home, snow and ice will accumulate along the roof edge, forming an ice dam, instead of melting away evenly.
Signs That Your Home Needs an Attic Ventilation Solution
An attic ventilation system moves heat and moisture out of your attic space. Without an appropriate system in place, warmth and moisture gets trapped in your attic space and can cause the following problems.
- Winter ice dams
- Attic is damp, frosty, or leaky
- Water stains on upper sections of walls
- Damp insulation in attic or exterior wall
- Roofing materials damage or whatever
- Mold growth in your attic
- Shingles are curling or damaged
- Other roof damage
- Blistering or peeling paint on interior or exterior
- Exterior of home is decaying or rotting
- Upstairs feels 10 degrees or more hotter than downstairs
- Air is noticeably warmer near ceiling areas of single-story home
Types of Attic Ventilation Systems You May Need
An attic ventilation system should be designed to where it creates a flow of air from vents on the soffit or under eaves and exits up near the peak of your roof. Ridge vents are very common in the Kinston and surrounding area because they supply a constant and thorough air circulation throughout the attic space and are the most effective and efficient solution.
It's best to consult your roofing company on how best to vent your particular roof. Here are some of the common vents used on new and existing roofs today.
- Wind Turbines
- Ridge Vents
- Electric Attic Fans
- Solar Attic Fans
- Exhaust Ventilation Systems
- Gable Louvers
- Roof Louvers
- Intake Fans
- Box Vents
- Soffit Vents
