Why Roof Ventilation Matters More Than Most Homeowners Realise
We’re just coming out of a typical British winter, and most of us are still in the mindset of keeping our homes warm, rather than letting fresh air in. This will hopefully change over the summer — but even in the depths of winter, it’s still vital to keep your home properly ventilated. And nowhere is this more crucial than in the roofspace.
What Roof Ventilation Isn’t
Unlike old, draughty buildings, modern homes are designed to be warm and comfortable. We install insulation, central heating and double glazing to prevent heat from escaping, making them much more pleasant to live in.
In many people’s minds, ventilation is associated with draughts, sacrificing warmth — but nothing could be further from the truth. The object of properly installed ventilation is to work alongside the insulation, helping to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. There doesn’t have to be a trade-off.
Why Roof Ventilation Is Vital
Except perhaps in the driest of summer heatwaves, moisture is a constant risk in your home. Even breathing creates damp indoors, and activities like cooking and showering make it a good deal worse.
Over time, all this moisture gathers in the roof space, condensing on the surfaces. This is likely not only to rot timbers and compromise insulation, but also to create mould.
Mould is a problem for two reasons. Not only does it damage materials, but its spores also spread throughout the house and get into the air you breathe. That’s unhealthy for anyone, but if somebody in your home suffers from asthma or allergies, mould spores can be dangerous.
The Benefits of Roof Ventilation
Good roof ventilation offers many benefits, but there are three main ones:
- It helps air circulate through the roofspace, removing the moisture before it has a chance to condense onto surfaces such as rafters or tiles.
- Ventilation can keep temperatures regulated throughout the year. In summer, it prevents the loft space from becoming a heat trap, which would radiate the heat down through the house, while in winter it removes the moisture that compromises your insulation.
- Good ventilation can also extend the life of your roofing materials. The alternation of heat and moisture can create considerable wear and tear on roofing felt, tiles and metal fittings. This can be reduced by a regular airflow, saving you expense on repairs and replacements.
Keep Your Ventilation Well-Maintained
Improvements in regulations mean that recent buildings are likely to have ridge vents, soffit vents and breathable membranes helping to create effective ventilation. Older buildings, on the other hand, may have fewer of these features, or none at all.
Even if your home is fully ventilated, though, it’s still vital to keep everything properly maintained. Blocked vents or insulation covering airflow paths can negate the effects of the ventilation.
Give Empire a call to discuss how we can help you save money on energy bills and repairs, not to mention safeguarding your health, by ensuring your roof ventilation is working to full effect.
