The Importance of Roof Ventilation During the Regina Winter

Winter has officially set in here in Saskatchewan. Winter is long and cold here, so it's essential to ensure your roof is prepared. Roof ventilation is especially important during the Saskatchewan winters. Roof ventilation is an often overlooked aspect of roof design, but it's vital for keeping your house warm during the winter, improving indoor air quality as well as preventing ice build-up and damaged shingles during the winter months. In this blog, we will explain the importance of roof ventilation during the Saskatchewan winter and how to tell if your roof is improperly ventilated. Read on to learn more!

Roof ventilation is essential for a number of reasons. As heat and moisture build up in your home from showering, cooking, and heating your home, it will rise to the attic, where it will remain trapped without proper roof ventilation. This trapped heat will cause moisture in the air to condense into water droplets. Moisture build-up in your attic can cause severe problems for your home. It can dampen your insulation and reduce its R-value. Moisture will also contribute to mould and mildew growth and wood rot which can lead to severe structural damage. Proper roof ventilation will help prevent this from happening. Proper roof ventilation will also help to prevent snow and ice build-up on the roof and shingles, which can cause damage and leaks if allowed to accumulate. Finally, proper roof ventilation helps to prevent ice dams from forming on the roofline and causing injury or damage. Proper roof ventilation can save you a lot of hassles and money on home repairs.

Most Saskatchewan homeowners don't give roof ventilation a second thought. However, it may be time to check for roof ventilation issues if you have noticed signs of ice build-up or warped shingles on your roof or ice dams forming on your gutter system. You may also notice moisture build up in your attic. These are signs that your roof does not have proper ventilation. Let's take a closer look at the signs that your roof has ventilation issues.

• Warped or Damaged Shingles: If your roof doesn't have good ventilation, it can cause snow and ice to build up and damage your shingles. Damaged shingles can lead to roof leaks, which can be very costly to repair. A common sign of improper roof ventilation is shingle warping. It presents as a wavy or rippled appearance to your roofline and is a major sign of trapped moisture. If you notice any of these signs, we recommend calling a professional roofing contractor and having it fixed as soon as possible,

• Ice Dams Forming or Icicles Hanging From The Roofline: Ice dams and icicles hanging from the roof line are a good indication that your roof is not properly ventilated. Ice dams are formed when snow and ice melt and the water collects in your gutter system. Ice dams can cause leaks in your home and be dangerous to people on your property. Additionally, if your home has a build-up of snow and ice on it, the weight of all that extra snow will increase exponentially, causing damage to your roof's structure which can lead to leaks or other structural issues. If you notice ice dams or a lot of snow build-up on your roof, you should have it removed immediately and call a roofing professional to check for ventilation issues.

• High Heating Bills: It's no secret that heating bills are a big part of the average home's energy costs during a Saskatchewan winter. If you notice your heating bill has gone up considerably without an apparent reason, improper attic ventilation could be the culprit. If the insulation in your attic has become wet from condensation build-up, it will be less effective, and your HVAC system will have to work harder to heat your home. A frequent need for HVAC repairs could also be a sign of improper roof ventilation. An HVAC unit that has to work harder than it should will break down more often. If you've noticed any of these signs, contact a local roofing contractor as soon as possible to check your roof's ventilation.

The best thing you can do to ensure your roof is properly ventilated is to have your roof inspected by a licensed, bonded, insured roofing contractor. This is important because some homeowners may be unaware of the proper roof ventilation techniques. Only qualified professionals should handle this work since improper ventilation can lead to water damage or mould growth inside the home. A professional roofer can inform you of the types of roof ventilation available and recommend the best option for your home. There are three basic types of roof vents: gable vents (round), ridge vents (flat) and soffit-to-ridge (slotted). Gable roofs should have at least two vents per gable wall; ridge-vented roofs require one per ridge line; slotted soffits require one per rafter bay area; flat roofs may need additional venting depending on how much insulation you apply during construction. The roofing experts at United Roofing & Exteriors can help you find the best ventilation solution for your home.

A properly designed roof ventilation system is an essential part of any home. In addition to providing superior protection from the elements, it helps keep your attic space dry and cool. Roof vents are also critical for helping prevent ice damming, which can cause severe damage to your home by causing water to back up behind the shingles. If you're experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, it could be a sign that your roof is improperly ventilated. The team at United Roofing & Exteriors can ensure that all issues are addressed and the problem is fixed quickly. Contact our roofing professionals today!