Your roofing system is not complete unless you have the proper ventilation. In the hot months, the heat from the sun bakes the shingles. Shingles are made to withstand heat, but as the sun heats the roof it also heats the attic below the roof deck. Being heated from above and below, with high temperatures, deteriorates the shingles very quickly. As the temperature decreases in the evenings condensation develops and can get trapped within the shingles. This moisture will eventually cause blisters.
Here is an example of blisters :
These blisters are small areas where the granules have burst off of the shingles. Small holes, or any holes what so ever, are big dangers on a roof!
Here are a couple ways to promote air flow on your roof and are also relatively cost efficient!
1) ridge vents
By installing a ridge vent you are allowing the hot air inside the attic to escape through the ridges. By allowing the hot air escape through the ridge, you have a better chance of keeping it out of the interior of your home. The result, not having to run your air condition quite as long and low, and at the same time allowing your shingles to breath!
2) solar panel attic fan
In combination with a ridge vent, a solar panel attic fan can save you some mega bucks! By being powered by the sun, the attic fan stirs the air inside the attic allowing the air to escape faster and more efficiently through the ridge vent. This produces a much cooler attic at no cost, not not cosuming and energy! Saving money is making money! By installing a solar panel attic fan on your roof, the temperature inside your attic can drop up to 40 degrees! In turn you will not have to run that air condition near as much as normal, giving the unit a longer life, as lowering that power bill! Again saving money is making money! Another advantage, the year you install the solar panel, you can use it towards your taxes in the form of credit! You can claim 30% of the total cost (including cost of the unit, installation labor, and sales tax up to $1,500.00) in tax credit! Depending on the unit will determine the cost, but a nice standard unit will cost you between $300 - $400! Not a bad investment when looking at how much it can save you! One last time, saving money is making money!
Both of these methods, especially when combined, will extend the life of your roof and keep you cooler! And what could be better than by keeping a little moola in your pocket at the same time!
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