How to Deal With an Overheated Attic

One of the most common reasons for damaged shingles is an overheated attic. An attic that lacks proper ventilation can reach up to 150 degrees in the summer. As hot air rises, the shingles begin to bake, shortening their life span. You might have to replace your roofing system sooner than expected.

 

 

Your roof is not the only part of your home that bears the brunt of a superheated attic. Hot air rising from your interior has nowhere to go when your attic is already full of hot air, so it stays in your home. This makes your home uncomfortable. Your air conditioner has to do double duty just to keep your home habitable, possibly doubling your energy use and also shortening your HVAC’s life.

There are ways to steer clear of this situation, however, and your roofing professional can help you with them.

Have Your Roof Inspected

The first thing you need to do is to get a professional to inspect your home. Don’t take any steps without doing this first so you can avoid spending money on unnecessary measures. Your roofer knows what needs to be done to lower your attic’s temperature.

Install New Vents

In most cases, new vents are the answer. Your roofer can discuss which vents will work. Ridge, soffit and gable vents are the most common options. The job of roof vents is to allow hot air to escape so it doesn’t collect in your attic and cause damage. Avoid DIY work when it comes to attic ventilation. If the vents are undersized, they will be useless. If they’re too big, they could cause water infiltration.

Use Attic Fans

Attic fans and electric ventilators can speed up the exit of hot air. They can maintain attic temperatures within preset values of 100-110 degrees.

Install New Insulation

Attic insulation with an R-factor of at least 19 can help significantly cool your home’s interior so your AC doesn’t have to work too hard. The R-factor is the measure of a material’s thermal resistance. Loose-fill insulation is the most common choice for many homeowners. Talk to your roofer about it.

Chase Roofing LLC can help you solve your attic overheating problem. We also offer gutter repair installation. Call us today at (757) 872-0700 or at (757) 206-1948. Alternatively, you can schedule a free estimate through our contact form. We look forward to helping you in Williamsburg, VA.