Nobody likes a stuffy home. Hot, humid air is uncomfortable, and sometimes air conditioners can only do so much to address it. If your Florida home is consistently feeling stuffy, it might be a sign of poor roofing ventilation. Here’s how to tell if this is the case, and what to do about it.
What is roofing ventilation, and why is it important?
All roofs should be properly ventilated to keep air circulation going and create a comfortable living environment in the home. In addition to feeling stuffy and uncomfortable, a poorly ventilated roof can cause hot air to get trapped in the home and create problems in the building.
If hot air builds up in the home, it can be more difficult to cool the inside. No matter how much cold air is pumped into a home, if there’s nowhere for the hot air to escape, it will take longer to cool down and will not stay cool for long.
There are two types of roofing ventilation:
- Natural ventilation: Since hot air naturally rises in a home, vents in the attic or top of the home give it a natural release and avoid buildup. There are several different kinds of natural ventilation options, depending on the type of home.
- Mechanical ventilation: If natural ventilation is not an option, or if it does not provide enough ventilation, mechanical vents can provide a constant airflow. This requires a power source, but it’s a good option in areas with still air or that do not see a lot of wind.
What to look for
As mentioned earlier, a poorly ventilated roof can cause hot air to build up, and that can make your air conditioner work too hard. If your air conditioning unit keeps breaking down, especially if it’s not that old, it might be a sign you have a poorly ventilated roof.
It’s not uncommon for the upstairs of a home to be warmer than downstairs, but if there are any spots that are noticeably hotter on a consistent basis, it might be a sign of poor roof ventilation in Florida. Additionally, the presence mold or mildew in the attic can be a sign of humidity buildup caused by poor ventilation.
How to fix it
If you suspect poor roof ventilation may be causing problems in your home, there are some ways to fix the problem:
- Ridge vents: These rows of slats are installed on the top of the roof, typically under the shingles. They are inconspicuous and do not add any height to the home.
- Box vents: These pop-up vents are installed near the peak of the roof and give the hot air a way to escape the home. Usually it will take several box vents to adequately ventilate a home.
- Wind turbines: These globular vents are designed to spin in the wind and capture outside air to replace the hot air inside the home.
If you are considering adding more roof ventilation in your Florida home, call Winter Springs Roofing & Repair today to schedule a consultation.