Are you neglecting your Baton Rouge home’s roof? Did you know that poor roof ventilation can eventually cause roof damage, mold and milder, as well as higher utility bills?
Roof issues often go unnoticed until they develop into major problems. Your roof’s ventilation plays a critical role in the health of your roof, yet many homeowners overlook the importance of proper roof ventilation. Let’s dive into why roof ventilation matters and how to identify if you need a roof inspection.
Signs You Need Better Roof Ventilation
How do you know whether or not your roof has adequate ventilation? Don’t worry, there are several signs that your roof isn’t properly ventilated, such as:
- Mold and Mildew – A stuffy attic smell could indicate mold growth due to inadequate ventilation. Mold affects air quality and can trigger respiratory issues.
- Water Stains – Brown or yellow stains on floors, walls or ceilings are signs of water damage caused by poor ventilation.
- High Energy Bills – Trapped hot air in the attic can elevate energy bills as it warms the entire house, making cooling systems work harder.
- Condensation – Poor ventilation leads to indoor-outdoor temperature contrast, resulting in condensation buildup.
- Bad Air Quality – Allergies acting up? It could be due to inadequate roof ventilation affecting air circulation.
- Roof Damage – Premature aging or warping of asphalt shingles can result from trapped moisture, indicating roof ventilation issues.
- Ice Dams – While ice and snow is rarely an issue in Baton Rouge—or all of Louisiana for that matter—it’s still good to know that ice can damage your roof. Ice dams form due to improper attic ventilation, leading to melted snow refreezing and causing water damage.
2 Types of Roof Vents
There are two primary types of roof vents used to improve the air circulation in your home:
- Active Roof Vents – These use fans to pull in fresh air and expel stale air, providing more controlled ventilation.
- Passive Roof Vents – Utilizing wind for air circulation, these require minimal maintenance and no mechanical parts.
Vent Styles
There are several styles of roof vents for homeowners to choose from. These styles are:
- Box Vent – Box vents are effective for roofs with angles and valleys, but they are noticeable on the roofline.
- Ridge Vent – Ridge vents are placed along the peak, ideal for releasing hot air.
- Turbine Vent – Turbine vents are also known as “whirlybirds”. These roof vents draw air into the attic, which is ideal for windy areas.
- Gable End Vent – Gable end vents are installed beneath the roof’s gable, offering less-effective horizontal airflow.
- Soffit Vent – Soffit vents are hidden under eaves and they are reliable and unobtrusive.
Consult a Roofing Pro in Baton Rouge
Do you know if your roof is adequately ventilated? Whether you need additional ventilation added to your existing roof or you’re not sure how much ventilation you need for your new roofing system, Pelican Roofing is here to help!
Our experts are specially trained, so you can rest assured that we will walk you through the process of properly protecting your roof—which protects your biggest investment (your home). Contact us today for a free 60-second roof quote and safeguard your Baton Rouge home’s longevity!
