Did You Know That? (Ventilation and Roofing)

I figured I would pass on my words of wisdom as a new home owner when I learn the information.  I also wanted to include my love of Bill Nye (and you get to learn a fun fact).

So in this "Did You Know That?" post I have an interesting piece of information on ventilation and roofing.  When you think of the thing you want to do to your house your mind usually does not go "Man, I really want to update the ventilation in my house!".  Okay, i'll admit I did but it is because of many factors.  

Our attic was really hot in the summer or really cold in the winter.  No duh Michelle.  I know, but it was beyond hot.  Hot to the point it would make the smoke detector beep on the second floor if it was attached to the ceiling.  Recently we have begun to hear a dripping sound in the attic.  Well, we figured it was the attic because we listened to the walls everywhere else upstairs. 

So we had a roofing company come out because ..... we don't really have ventilation.  We have gable vents at the end of the house to let air flow through, but nothing else.  They also said that our dripping is more than likely caused by an improperly sealed gable vent above our bedroom.  It is causing some of the wood to rot below the vent.  So long story short, the fact of the day is- if you do not have adequate ventilation in your attic the warranty on your shingles on the roof is voided.

Yep, you heard me.  It is code that you have adequate ventilation in your house to keep the roof as cool as possible.  The guy said that are roof was wearing down faster because of inadequate ventilation.  It is also causing some of the wood (soffits) to break down.  So that is why some of the soffits and fascia had to be replaced before the guy sold the house....... interesting.  (I think I might have to start speaking negatively about this man when the neighbors said he took such good care of his house.) Here is a nice video to show you why you need ventilation.

So like the video said, we need to add soffit vents and a ridge vent to allow air to flow through the attic properly.

At the same time he confirmed my suspicion that our bathroom fans did not vent out of the house (this causes the bathroom moisture to be put in the attic with no place to go- aka mold and rot). Awesome.....

So in summary, have proper ventilation on your house.  If you don't know if you have enough, look at your roof and see or call a roofing company.

And hire a good home inspector..................

Until the next time on "Did You Know That?".