We specialize in Attic Ventilation
Common Ventilation Problems
Trapped heat and moisture can raise energy costs, create ice dams, cause attic rain, and damage roof system components. Condensation that forms inside attics can be caused by moisture from household appliances, such as dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, bathtubs, and showers that are improperly ventilated through the roof. In some cases, the condensation can be severe enough to be mistaken for a roof leak.
Proper ventilation will remove moisture and heat from the attic and keep your attic dry all year long and avoiding heat build up in the summer.
Attic Rain
Hot air rises. Hot, humid air gets trapped in the attic without proper ventilation to the outside. Hot air meets the chilly underside of the roof’s deck and freezes during cold snaps resulting in frost in the attic. When weather warms up again, that frost melts into attic rain. Water leaks on ceilings can be seen, drips through improper venting in bathroom fans, kitchen fans, etc.
Wood Surface
Condensation can cause dry rot or the deterioration of the adhesives used in plywood and/or Oriented Strand Board (OSB).
This occurs because one side of the decking is unable to “breathe” and traps moisture. The roof deck will eventually warp or deteriorate enough to become spongy and dangerous to walk on. The result is sagging between the rafters (deck deflection).
Metal Surfaces
Water vapor will condense first on metal surfaces and will eventually cause the metal to rust.
Heads can rust off nails, metal plumbing straps or straps holding HVAC ducting can rust causing the ducting to crash down on top of the ceiling joists or through a suspended ceiling.
This problem is more common in humid climates.
Moisture
Insulation can trap moisture which will reduce the R-value of the insulation and create an ideal environment for the propagation of certain mould, spores, and fungi.
There is also the potential of mildew which is both damaging to the structure and can cause health problems like asthma or lung infections. The roof system itself will deteriorate prematurely under these conditions.
Watch
We have free videos covering common attic ventilation problems:
How Do We Solve the Problem?
We essentially help your attic breathe better by adding air intakes and exhaust vents. By allowing fresh air to enter and circulate in your attic, from the lower point toward the higher point reduces condensation and many issues like attic rain. Expelling hot, moist air from your attic also helps to keep your attic dry all year round.
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Attic Ventilation FAQ
This is a common problem in Calgary. You have attic rain. The culprit is that your attic isn’t venting properly so hot, humid air is being trapped in your attic. When the weather cools, this air turns into frost. When we get another Chinook, that frost turns into water and, if not treated, you’ll see that water come through vents and through the ceiling.
Sadly yes. Any place where there’s hot, humid air it needs to vent to the outside, either through the roof or the side of the building.
We can come and do an attic inspection for you. We’ll look inside your attic and on the roof to give you a complete assessment of your attic.