Most experts contend that in summer the house is kept more comfortable by proper subfloor ventilation in Sydney and in winter guards against heated air building up and moist. Saying that the benefits of ventilation are overrated there are also dissenting voices.
By reducing moisture build-up in summer soffit and roof vents reduce cooling costs, in the winter prevents ice dams, prevent rot and mildew and extend the life of your shingles.
You know how hot such spaces can get if you have ever been in an attic. Direct sunlight is the primary source of heat. Through the roofing material Solar heat is transmitted and to the ceiling insulation it is radiated.
The attic air also becomes heated as the roof and insulation warm up. The temperature of the entire system, air, roof, attic floor and insulation eventually rises. Roof temperatures can be well above 170°F in a non-vented system.
Benefits
Four benefits offered by good roof ventilation offers are:
- By keeping your roof colder it helps prevent ice dams in winter.
- By reducing moisture build-up it prevents rot and mildew growth on your roof’s sheathing and framing.
- In the warm season it reduces cooling costs. If you have a well-insulated attic space the savings will be slight; if you have little insulation it would be greater.
- By keeping the roof cooler in hot weather it extends the life of your shingles.
As you will see, even for the novice it’s neither time consuming nor expensive nor difficult to improve attic ventilation. You only need power tools and basic hand. However, be sure to follow safety precautions when you climb up on your roof.