Homeowners usually assess roofs based on what’s visible from the exterior. The brand, warranty, and color of roof shingles are what most homeowners spend time evaluating. However, experienced Park City roofing companies know what can really ruin a roof in the long run, and it’s not what’s on the exterior to see – it’s what’s going on in the attic.
The Attic Sets the Rules
The attic will dictate how effective the roof shingles will be. Heat and moisture build up in a poorly insulated and poorly ventilated attic. Premium shingles won’t even be significant in that situation. Attic temperatures can exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Shingles fracture and begin to lose their granules. When shingles lose their granules, they lose effectiveness. Heated indoor air escaping through the attic causes the snow on the roof to melt. The melted snow then refreezes on the roof. This causes ice dams, a common issue for Park City roofing companies due to the volume of snow.
Insulation: Your First Line of Defense
Attic insulation prevents heated air from escaping the living space and protects the roof from the damaging effects of the freeze-thaw cycles. For roof companies in Park City, the first step in the assessment process is the attic, not the roof.
Ventilation: The Second Half of the Equation
Lack of ventilation can be just as harmful as insufficient insulation. A combination of soffit intake vents and ridge exhaust vents creates a balanced system that keeps attic air circulation moving. This system removes stale air and heat in the summer and moisture in the winter. If ventilation is deficient, condensation will start to collect on the cold surfaces of the attic. This will create an environment where mold can feed on and rot the house’s wood structures. This will happen long before the roof shows any signs of wear. A good Park City roofing company will check the ventilation balance as part of their inspection, not just the materials on the roof’s outer layer.
Conclusion
Having a poor attic environment means the money spent on new roof shingles is not addressing the main problem and is therefore wasted. Keeping your attic and roof in balance can extend your roof’s life by 5 to 10 years. Before you decide to replace your roof, contact a Park City roofing company to inspect the attic, as this is where the roof’s true condition is assessed.