Especially here in Bradenton, roof life can be affected by what’s happening underneath as much as what’s going on above in the attic.
When some people assess the quality and condition of a roof, they often focus all of their attention on the outside. Common perception tells most folks to focus on the shingles or tiles and all the things you can see from above.
But it’s a huge error to overlook (so to speak) what’s going on underneath. Your attic has a lot to do with how well your roof functions and how long it lasts–especially here in Bradenton. Roofing contractors should know this and roofing maintenance and inspections should always take the attic into account, too. Here’s why.
The Function of an Attic
People think a lot about what a roof does to keep out water. But they don’t talk enough about how it should help keep out heat, too.
In truth, a lot of that insulation factor comes down to how well your attic is ventilated. Your attic is essentially a big pocket of air between your roof and your ceiling. That air can actually be a natural insulation system to protect your living space from weather extremes outside.
In Bradenton, residential roofing turns into a virtual oven the majority of the year. As hot as outdoor roofing maintenance is, the attic work is even worse. (Our Blue Collar experts know this better than anyone!)
But that air needs to go somewhere. If it just sits where it is, it will A) start heating up your home, too. And B) all that heat will also affect the condition of your roof.
How Poor Attic Ventilation Affects Roofs
Attic air will naturally be warmer. It’s not just that the outside air is warm; it’s also because hot air rises, and this is a good thing! Any warm air in your house will head toward the attic.
But unless that heat is properly managed, it will affect your roofing materials.
At well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, attic air directly underneath your roof can loosen adhesives in the decking and even cause shingles to crack and curl. Additionally, in this climate, that stagnant air can lead to mold growth and wood rot–huge problems.
Think about it: We talk a lot about how damaging the Florida sun can be to roofs. But when it’s 10 times hotter in the attic, then you’re literally cooking your roofing material from the inside out.
How to Manage Hot Attic Air
This doesn’t mean that you have to (or should) use air conditioning to cool your attic! That would be extremely expensive, inefficient, and could even lead to increased problems like condensation.
Instead, there’s a tried and true solution that’s been around for thousands of years: ventilation. With adequate air flow, your attic will stay naturally dryer and cooler. It still won’t be cool, but it won’t be so hot that your roof cooks.
How to Achieve Proper Attic Ventilation
We get it: It seems counterintuitive, especially in Florida, to open up your house to the elements. That’s why you need a licensed Bradenton roofing company to make sure it’s done right.
Ventilation naturally comes down to vents. You should have some vents at the lower points of your roof (usually in the soffits) and other vents up at the top (ridge vents, hood vents, turbine vents, solar vents, and standard gooseneck vents). This causes a natural flow, allowing the warm air to move up and–most importantly–out of your attic.
Adequate Attic Ventilation is a Must
We’ve said it before: Your roofing contractor must include your attic in roof inspections and maintenance. And that includes checking that vents are adequate and clean.
It’s really hot work. And that’s what we’re here for.
