With the moisture in Oregon, Salem roofers need to be very particular when it comes to installing ventilation on their customers’ roofs.
Roofing in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest in general presents a unique set of moisture related obstacles to deal with. In such a rainy, moist climate, it is important to take extra precautions to prevent the growth of mold and rot in your roof and attic. One of the most effective ways to prevent these things from becoming a problem is to make sure that your roofing contractor installs a proper roof ventilation system while they’re roofing your home. This includes ridge ventilation, soffit ventilation, intake and exhaust vents.
Here are some of the benefits to having a good roofing ventilation system:
- It will keep moisture out of your roof, preventing mold and rot from growing in your roof, rafters, and decking.
- It will help increase your energy efficiency by lowering your attic temperature in the summer.
- It will extend the life of your roof and attic structure by protecting it from harmful moisture and hot air.
Now that you know some of the benefits, here are some rules of thumb for getting the roofing ventilation just right:
- You need at least 1 sq. ft. of ventilation per 300 sq. ft. of flat attic space.
- 40-50% of roofing ventilation should be from the ridge.
- 50-60% of roofing ventilation should come from the eaves, which should be divided among both sides of the house (25-30% per bottom on soffit venting)
There are a few simple ways that you can check your roof for ventilation issues, so be sure to check the following:
- If you smell or see mold growing in your attic, you likely need to call a roofing professional and have them install a better ventilation system. If the damage is extensive, re-roofing might be in order.
- If you see frost or moisture on the ceiling, rafters, or anywhere else in your attic, you may need a better roof vent system.
- If your attic is excessively hot in warmer months, you might need to get your roof vent system checked out.
- If you look on your roof and can’t see any roof vents, you should give a roofing contractor a call right away to come inspect your ventilation system.
If you’re noticing any of these issues, be sure to call CDBR roofing contractor to come assess your roof ventilation and breathability. Fixing your roof vent system early can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the long-run. If you’re in the Salem, Oregon area, feel free to give one of the top rated Oregon roofing contractors a call today for an estimate at (503) 585-2338.
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