Does your roof have adequate ventilation? As homeowners, we’re often so focused on keeping water out and avoiding problems that we forget about the need for air circulation.
But roofing ventilation and a steady supply of fresh air is absolutely crucial not only for your roof and loft space, but the rest of your home too. Find out below, along with how to spot the warning signs of a poorly ventilated roof.
The Importance of Proper Roofing Ventilation
Ventilation is crucial for all parts of your home, and your roof space is no different. It helps to prevent the buildup of moisture and condensation, by bringing fresh air in to replace the moisture-laden air.
Without it, you could be facing a whole host of unwanted problems.Here are just a few examples:
- Wood rot on joists and beams, which over time can damage the structural integrity of your roof
- Poor indoor air quality – this is particularly true of flat roofs with insufficient ventilation, as they are often installed above living spaces like kitchens. Poor indoor air quality can create problems for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
- Poor energy efficiency – an overly moist loft space can retain heat, which can make it harder to cool your home in summer months. It can even cause problems in colder times of year, where ice dams can form on roof tiles.
Roof Ventilation Explained
So, what actually is roofing ventilation? It’s actually quite simple, as it’s usually just the installation of vents at strategic points across the roof.
These vent systems are available in a few different types and styles, but all are designed to let air circulate throughout the roof.
Alongside these vents, most modern roofs have breathable underlay. This adds an extra barrier against moisture penetration from outside, but while still letting the roof breathe.
4 Warning Signs of an Inadequately Ventilated Roof
Here are a few of the main warning signs to watch out for, which could indicate ventilation problems in your roof space:
1: Visible Moisture on Roof Beams and Joists
It’s a good idea to regularly inspect your loft space, not only to check for signs of a leak. If you notice visible beads, drips or damp patches in your loft – and there isn’t a leak – this could be a sign of poor ventilation. You may also notice that the attic smells damp or feels muggy.
2: Wet Insulation
If your loft insulation is wet, this is definitely a sign of a problem. If it’s just in one place, a leaking roof is probably to blame. But if it’s everywhere, condensation could be the culprit.
3: Mould and Mildew
One of the most obvious signs of ventilation problems is mould and mildew. If you can see mouldy patches in the loft, your roof may need more or better ventilation.
4: Sagging Shingles
Looking at your roof from the outside, does it appear as if some shingles are sagging? There are a few potential causes of this, but one could be water damage underneath that has been caused by a buildup of condensation. It’s recommended to book a roofing inspection to get it checked out and identify the exact cause.
How To Fix Roofing Ventilation Problems
The only way to effectively resolve issues with poor roof ventilation is to call in a roofer.
They’ll carry out a full internal and external inspection, checking humidity levels in the loft as well as assessing what ventilation (if any) is already installed.
They can also rule out leaks as a possible source of any visible moisture on roof beams.
If needed, your roofer can upgrade your ventilation up to modern standards. Once the work is complete, your roof should meet the British Standard for roof ventilation, which is BS 5250:2021. This is a standard which requires all roof types (including flat roofs) to have adequate ventilation at both high and low levels.