No matter what type of roof you have, using an attic fan can contribute to the longevity of your roofing system and to the overall wellness of your home. Many people understand the importance of roof maintenance in supporting the life of a roof, but they may not be as familiar with the value of roofing ventilation. Attic fans play a vital role in air circulation and environmental regulation, which makes them important to the roof’s overall strength and integrity.
What is an attic fan?
Like a roof deck drainage system, an attic fan may also increase the lifespan of your roof. It can help manage a building’s air quality and circulation and regulate temperature and moisture – all of which can help reduce energy expenses and usage. The integration of an attic fan may benefit your residential or commercial building in the following ways:
- Encourage proper air circulation with the addition of an attic fan. The air quality overall can be improved with the faster removal of undesirable smells or pollutants.
- Reduce the potential for mold and mildew, which can result from extra moisture buildup in the attic. These issues can cause health complications and structural damage.
- Manage temperature in the attic and throughout the entire building. Especially in warmer locations or months with higher temperatures, an attic fan can be a critical tool in managing daily or accumulated heat.
- Lessen energy expenses related to air conditioning systems. Unless excess heat can be exhausted effectively from the upper floors of a building, more money may need to be spent on cooling the property, especially at those levels.
Each building’s unique characteristics, climate considerations and the size, features and functions of the attic space factor into which attic ventilation option(s) may best benefit your building. Additionally, ventilation in the attic can take both passive and active forms. For example, attic fans typically rely on electricity for their operation, while the often paired soffit and gable vents leverage air’s natural flow to exchange air between the interior and exterior. To determine the right ventilation balance for your particular building, it’s important to find and consult with an attic ventilation contractor, such as the experienced team at Ranch Roofing, as these experts can help ensure that you avoid having too much or too little circulation.
Attic Fans and Roofing System Longevity
Attic fans contribute to the health of a roofing system in the same way that they help facilitate a healthy environment for a building’s inhabitants. As a summer budget can be compromised by excessive air conditioning costs and respiratory issues may worsen or arise due to mold and mildew exposure, a roofing system can also be negatively impacted by inadequate ventilation. Without an effectively functioning ventilation system including attic fans, a roof may experience the following problems:
- Wood rot: In addition to mold and mildew, excessive or continuous moisture buildup can contribute to various types of wood rot. Wood rot can result in the reduced strength and load-bearing capacity of the roof, which can make it more prone to partial or full collapse during heavy snow or high wind. It can also contribute to other structural compromises, such as insulation and water damage.
- Ice dams: Attic fans contribute to temperature consistency in the attic and throughout the home, which reduces the potential for uneven melting and/or refreezing of snow or ice on the roof. Without this regulatory support, ice dams can form, and water may then seep under the shingles and cause problems like roof leaks or ceiling damage. Exterior safety hazards, such as falling icicles or other accumulation, may also occur due to ice dams.
- Shingle deterioration: Consistent exposure to high temperatures, like the ongoing experience of humid conditions, can also contribute to the breakdown of roofing materials. Roofing shingles may be more prone to cracking and warping, and repeated high heat circumstances can result in the premature aging of the entire roof system.
- Impact from weather conditions: Roof durability can be supported by creating as much consistency in its surrounding environment as possible. In many climates, like those experienced in New England, weather conditions vary drastically and considerably – sometimes even within a single week. Including an attic fan is one way to help reduce the potential problems caused by weather-related challenges and fluctuations.
For a roofing system that lasts and has greater resilience to any weather or general climate conditions, attics fans are an essential addition. Create a healthier environment for your roof, as well as your entire building and those who use it, when you incorporate an attic fan as part of your air circulation and temperature regulation support system. Whether you choose to integrate this feature when installing a new roof or in conjunction with another roofing service, the roofing and ventilation experts at Ranch Roofing are here to help. Contact us today for a free estimate!