How to Prevent Attic Superheating

Any roofing contractor knows that nobody wants to be in a house that gets too hot during summer, but it’s a sad reality for many homes across the country. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it’s also unhealthy and even potentially dangerous. 

The Cost of a Hot Attic

An overheating attic is often a large part of the problem. In addition to discomfort and poor quality of indoor air, a hot attic can also lead to expensive concerns. 

Shingles are often “fried” when the attic is overheating, as they are attacked by heat from both sides. The wood framing of your roof is likely to sustain damage in the long run, as well. Many other components of your home are affected by heat trapped in the attic, including wall paint and the roof deck. In some cases, an overheated attic causes ice damming, which is bad for the roof and for the gutters. You’ll feel the burn not just indoors but also with your energy bills. 

Solving the Problem

There are some solutions if you have concerns about a hot attic. Here are some good suggestions:

  • Install continuous soffit and ridge vents. Soffits provide the intake and ridges the exhaust. Hot air naturally rises, a process known as convection. This system will ensure hot, moist air rises out and cool, dry air enters. This is the best way to lower the temperature in your attic for the long term. Ask your roofing and attic contractor about it.
  • Install attic fans. The fans work well with electric ventilators. Such systems are automatic. Once your attic reaches a temperature of 100-110, the fans start doing their job. Of course, this system requires the use of electricity.
  • A combination of these two systems can help cool your attic faster, if either does not work well on its own. The installation of soffit and ridge vents, however, is still the most effective system.

NorthWest Construction is a roof repair and replacement contractor that you can trust to help you with your superheated attic problems. Call us today at (313) 277-7676. You may also contact us here. We can work with you in Dearborn, West Bloomfield or Taylor, MI.