If asked, most homeowners would say that the most important goal of a roofing system is to protect from the outdoor elements. While this isn?t wrong, it does leave out a major staple of the roof and attic ? ventilation. Attic ventilation came about in the early 20th century, when heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) organizations began to recognize the issues that poor roof ventilation caused.

Today, proper ventilation is a critical element of any residential or commercial roof. Learn more to make sure your new roof accomplishes this important job.

Roof Ventilation: The Basics

How does one ventilate a roof? It starts with airflow in the attic. Whenever possible, roofing contractors will use natural airflow to ventilate a roofing system. As hot air rises in your home, it creates higher air pressure in the attic in a process known as the ?stack effect.? An inlet in your attic will allow the hot air to escape (exhaust) and cooler, low-pressure air to enter (intake).

Wind blowing against the roof will help continue exhaust and intake, creating a ventilated roof. Contractors may also install a mechanical attic ventilation system that does not need to rely on the stack or wind effects, if you live in a region that?s not very windy.

A contractor will create a custom airflow plan to enable roof ventilation. Each ventilation system is unique to the home, as it requires a consideration of factors such as regional climate and roof design. Contractors will commonly install exhaust vents on the ridge of the roof, beneath the shingles to be almost invisible.

Some attic ventilators mount on the outside of your roof, and are visible. Installers typically place intake vents under the soffit or at your roof?s edge, beneath the shingles. If you have any questions about your individual attic ventilation plan, feel free to ask your contractor.

There are federal standards for how roof ventilation should operate. The International Code Council; American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers; and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, all have rules in place for ventilation. Codes require minimum ventilation conditions in shingle warranties. Some state-specific laws also exist to regulate cross-ventilation and enclosed attics or rafter spaces. Make sure you choose a roofing contractor with knowledge of the federal and state ventilation laws.

Benefits of Proper Roof Ventilation

Creating a flow of air in the attic is important for the overall safety, protection, and lifespan of the roofing system. Proper airflow keeps the attic space cooler in the summer and drier in winter. Preventing a buildup of heat in your attic space will ultimately reduce energy consumption and lower the risk of ice dams forming on your roof.

An overheated, moisture-filled roof can have a variety of problems, from curled shingles to mold growth. Attic ventilation will extend the lifespan of your roof system by giving it the airflow it needs to operate effectively. Here are a few benefits of attic ventilation:

• Removes moisture from the attic. Proper airflow dries out the attic year-round, preventing condensation from forming and reducing the risk of moisture-related issues such as wood rot and mold growth.
• Balances snow accumulation. In areas that experience snowfall, ventilation can prevent heat from building up at the top of the attic and melting the snow. This issue causes ice dams, which can severely damage the roof and home. Instead, snow will accumulate on the roof in an even sheet.
• Keeps your home cooler in the summer. Controlling heat buildups in your attic can keep your entire home cooler. Reducing the average temperature in your attic during the summer lowers your energy bills and makes your home more comfortable.
• Extends your roof?s lifespan. When the heat in your attic has nowhere to go, it puts pressure on your shingles from the inside out. Keeping your attic properly ventilated will prevent issues with your asphalt shingles, such as premature deterioration.
• Prevents water leaks. In extreme cases, an unventilated attic can gather enough condensation to soak through the insulation and cause a leak in the ceiling below. Wet insulation can be ineffective, and lead to other issues such as mold and mildew.

Effective attic ventilation helps your roof and home during every season. It allows you to enjoy a stable, functional roof despite the inevitable stack effect. Whether your roofing contractor recommends natural or mechanical ventilation, make sure you invest in some type of attic ventilator during roof replacement or installation. Ventilation is imperative for the overall health of your roofing system.

For efficient and high-performing attic ventilation and roof installations, trust Able Roof?s professional contractors.

Top Six Things To Look For In A Metal Roof

We hope that this finds you well and enjoying a good summer. We?ve been very busy, and it looks like this will be yet another record-breaking year for the residential metal roofing industry. If you?re shopping for a metal roof, we have put together the following ?Top Six? list of things to look for in your metal roof. Not all metal roofs offer these features, but we think you will agree they are very important.

Kynar 500« is a registered trademark belonging to Arkema Inc.
Hylar 5000« is a registered trademark belonging to Solvay

Commercial roofing sales are projected to rise through 2020, and it?s the tried-and-true products that have contractors optimistic for the future. In a recent study of commercial roofing trends, Roofing Contractor found that single-ply, low-slope asphalt and metal roofing remain the top earners, with single-ply roofing accounting for 55 percent of all sales. In fact, 75 percent of commercial contractors who offer single-ply anticipate sales to increase in 2018. As an expert in the commercial roofing space, FiberTite stays up-to-date on the latest roofing trends that will help you make the best roofing decision.

View the rest of the infographic created by Roofing Contractor below.

A home warranty, while not absolutely necessary like homeowners insurance, for most people goes in the same category: better to have it and not need then find out too late that you did need it.

Yet choosing a new home warranty is a lot like choosing homeowners insurance. Every company seems to promise to cover everything ? from top to bottom ? but then there?s the all too hard to read fine print.

Will they really cover my roof damage from a snowstorm? Will they replace siding if a harsh wind blows it off? What if my washing machine breaks, floods my house and causes damage to the floor? Will they cover that?

It is exactly questions like this that make choosing a home warranty so confusing ? and frustrating. So what?s the right answer? Well if you are in the market for a home warranty, I?ve just made that decision a little easier. Here is a list of the top 5 best companies in 2016.

For more information on the best home warranty companies of 2016, just visit this link. Here you will find an easy to use chart where you can compare the companies side-by-side, see each company?s highlighted offerings and customer ratings, and take the frustration out of choosing a home warranty company.

If you?re considering a metal roof for your home, you may be curious to know whether this is a job you can complete on your own. Every single one of us is interested in saving money. Hiring a roofing service to tackle the job can really add up ? on top of materials, especially. However, not all roofing jobs can be completed on your own. There are risks associated with roofing. You could easily slip and fall ? without the coverage of a professional roofing company ? or damage the material and end up with leaks in the roof.

Online Research

First and foremost, it?s vital that you perform research online. Many companies offer metal roofing estimates completely free of charge on the internet. Of course, you?ll need to know the dimensions of your roof, the material you?d like, and the amount. This is, however, just an estimate. The numbers you receive are by no means concrete.

Alternatively, you could choose a metal roofing analysis. An analysis is more efficient and thorough. You?ll receive a panel cut list, a drawing showing the panel layout, and a full quote that includes the trim and fasteners required.

Installation

If you have existing shingles, you can easily install a metal roof over the preexisting material. To accomplish this, there can only be one layer of shingles. If a shingle is curled or loose, you?ll need to remove it before installing the metal.

If, at any time, you?re uncomfortable performing repairs or the installation, call a professional. Sure, the cost may be higher than performing the job on your own, but the long-term savings are evident. A properly installed roof can last for decades and require fewer repairs overall.

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