In 2023, Phoenix set a new record. There were 54 days when the temperature exceeded 110 degrees. With the sun beating down and little to no shade, the temperature beneath an unventilated Arizona roof can easily exceed 160 degrees!
Holding that much heat is not good for your roof or other systems in your house. Imagine the strain on your air conditioning with all that heat sitting right above your ducts. This is one reason roof ventilation is not just a nice thing to have – it is a must for every Arizona home.
Keeping your house cool is just one of the many benefits of improving your roof ventilation. Let’s explore a few more together.
Keep Cooling Costs Down
Research by WalletHub found that Arizona households will pay an average of $400 for electricity per month in 2024. However, your home cooling costs could increase significantly if your roof is not well-ventilated.
Heat builds up beneath your roof and heats the very fabric of your home. This puts added strain on your air conditioning unit, which must work harder and draw more energy to produce the same cooling effect. This not only increases your bills but puts more strain on the planet.
Over time, this can cause AC components to wear out more quickly. This could lead to expensive repair bills, or you may need to replace your HVAC system. Roof ventilation could reduce the pressure on this vital system and save money each month during the summer.
Avoid Roof Damage
Roofs are built to withstand heat – for some time at least. However, some roofing materials can break down rapidly when exposed to high heat and a lack of ventilation.
Asphalt shingles can dry out in extreme heat, causing them to buckle and crack. Tiny granules appearing on the ground around your home are a sign that your shingles are disintegrating.
Good ventilation is key to slowing down this process. It draws cooler air under the eaves and allows hot air out at the apex, allowing your roof to maintain a cooler temperature and taking the pressure off your shingles.
Preserve Your Warranty
When something goes wrong with your roof, you hope to rely on our warranty to put it right. However, if you have not taken steps to ensure your roof is properly ventilated, you may not be able to fall back on your warranty. Most manufacturers of roofing materials do not honor warranties for shingles installed on unventilated roofs.
To avoid this trap, ask a trusted roofing company to check that your roof is well-ventilated. If it is not, be sure to get it fixed without delay.
Prevent Mold and Mildew
While Arizona could never be described as humid, it does receive regular downpours in the summer. Unventilated attics can trap moisture, and the warm, humid environment beneath your roof is perfect for mold and mildew to flourish.
Mold can degrade wood and asphalt shingles over time. It can also affect more durable materials like clay tiles, concrete, and shingles.
Protect the Roof Structure
Heat and humidity can also affect the structure of your roof. Typically made of wooden supports, the trapped heat and moisture can cause the wood to degrade. A lack of proper ventilation could cause serious problems that require costly repairs.
Signs You Have Roof Ventilation Issues
Most of us do not venture into our attics very often, so we may not notice if it is getting extremely hot up there. Yet there are several telltale signs that it is crying out for more ventilation:
- Hot upstairs rooms: You may notice that no matter how hard your AC works, the rooms at the top of your house just will not cool down. This could indicate that your roof is trapping heat above them, and no cool air is coming in to counteract the solar gain.
- Higher energy bills in summer: If your bills are higher than expected, this could be because the AC has to work harder and consume more energy just to keep your home at a tolerable temperature. A few simple improvements to your roof ventilation could have an immediate impact on your monthly energy costs.
- Sagging patches: Over time, condensation build-up can compromise the structural integrity of your roof. As the components deteriorate due to excess moisture, the roof can begin to sag in places. Stand back from your house and take a good look. If you notice the roof has a wavy appearance, it is time to call in a trusted Arizona roofing contractor to inspect it.
- Rusting components: When moisture builds up in your attic due to a lack of ventilation, it can quickly start to form rust on any components. As your roof relies on nails and other structural components for its integrity, this is a recipe for expensive repairs.
- Pest infestations: Mold is not the only living thing that loves hot and humid conditions. Pests like termites can also thrive in poorly ventilated roof spaces. If you are dealing with a termite infestation in your roof space, call a Grand Canyon State roofing professional to investigate whether poor ventilation is exacerbating the issue.
The longer you delay getting a roof inspection, the more likely it is to develop serious problems. Getting a free inspection from a trusted contractor and finding out what you are dealing with makes sense.
Trust Overson Roofing to Get Your Roof Breathing Again
Given the importance of the roof over our heads, it is crucial to choose a roofing company you can trust. There are many companies to choose from, but not all have the expertise and experience of Overson Roofing. We pride ourselves on having over 40,000 satisfied customers in our more than 40 years in business.
We know the Arizona climate better than most and understand the importance of roof ventilation. Remedial work could extend the life of your roof and put off costly repairs. Our roofing professionals can diagnose and fix any ventilation issues, letting your home breathe again.
We are proud to serve the people of Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, AZ. Fill out our contact form or call us to schedule a free estimate today.
Photo by Anya Chernik on Unsplash