The Importance of Ventilating your Roof Space

03 Jan The Importance of Ventilating your Roof Space

It’s hard to overestimate just how important adequate roof ventilation is to the overall protection and maintenance of your property.

Most homeowners will consider insulation when they’re addressing the needs of their roof – and while insulation is essential, it’s important not to forget about the value of ventilation too. Neglecting appropriate ventilation could have some serious, and expensive repercussions.

Not only does poor ventilation expose your home to the problem of condensation and damp, but it can also have a negative impact on the health of you and your family.

The Problems with an Improperly Ventilated Roof

One of the most significant issues that home and property owners have with poorly ventilated roofs is that they face the potential for problems caused by condensation and damp. Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface – a scenario which can occur frequently in loft and attic spaces where ventilation doesn’t allow for the proper circulation of air. As the moisture in the air meets the cold surface of your roof, it forms water droplets which can cause wide-spread dampness throughout your roof.

This dampness can be seriously damaging both in the long-term, and the short-term, impacting everything from structure, to living quality. Some of the major problems with dampness caused by a poorly ventilated roof are:

• Growth of mould which can lead to respiratory illnesses

• Damage to interior décor and paintwork

• Rot in woodwork and other surfaces

• Degradation of insulation

• Structural damage to fixtures and joists

Why Roof Ventilation is So Helpful

Ensuring you have the right level of ventilation in your roof means that you can make strides towards preventing the build-up of moisture in your home and the various issues that prevailing damp can cause. Sufficient ventilation in a property allows for warm air in living areas to escape easily outside, while allowing for colder air from the outside to be drawn in – equalising the roof temperature and allowing for proper circulation.

With good ventilation, you can not only benefit from a reduced risk of damp and damage to your roof structure, but also experience the benefits of better air quality thanks to the circulation of fresh air.

An effective way to ensure proper roof ventilation is to install vents throughout the home in the roof ridges and eaves. As warm air rises up through your attic, these vents will allow it to escape naturally.