We often work on roofs that have been improperly ventilated. This happens for any number of reasons, but there are some common issues that occur whenever a roof isn’t ventilated enough.

It’s important to have adequate ventilation in your roof, though, because excess moisture in your roof can cause mold, mildew, or dry rot to develop. Preventing airflow between your attic and outside could also trap harmful chemicals and physical particulates, which then stay in your home instead of exiting through ventilation.

And in some cases, if your roof isn’t ventilated properly, that could void the manufacturer’s warranty for your roof. There are three main types of roof ventilation we come across on a regular basis in Oklahoma. You’ll probably notice your home has one of these types.

Passive vents: These vents are large and round, and, as you’d guess by the name, passively let air ventilate as needed. These are the best option for most homes.

Turbine vents: A turbine vent is necessary if your home has a hip roof or a pyramid-style roof. These are the vents that often look like a silver mushroom or chef’s hat.

Power vents: These vents run off electricity. We don’t usually recommend them, though. It’s hard to tell when a power vent has stopped working, which means that moisture or minor damage may go unnoticed for a while, creating larger issues down the road. Because there’s no roof ventilation while these vents aren’t working, that will create damage to your roof over time.

If your roof isn’t ventilated properly, you may notice mold or mildew in your attic, or the structural effects of too much moisture: shingles that are cracked or curling, or even roof decking that is soggy or spongy to the touch.

If you’re concerned that your attic may not have adequate ventilation and want a professional to come have a look at it, we’re happy to help. We can check to see if you have enough ventilation in your roof. If you decide you want to install ventilation, we can help with that as well.