Roof ventilation systems keep attics cool by allowing the roof to breathe. The systems have fans that pull fresh air into the house and enable hot air to escape, ensuring your home temperatures remain optimal all year round.

While most attic fans last up to 15 years with proper maintenance, others get worn out after a few years. Therefore, you should always inspect your roof ventilation system to make sure it's in good condition.

Here are some of the warning signs that your house needs new roof ventilation:

Presence of Mold and Mildew in the Attic

Mold grows in areas with poor ventilation and excess moisture. If your attic ventilation system is damaged, mold will likely start growing at the bottom of the roof deck. Mold can cause sneezing and eye irritation, among other health issues, to your family. Therefore, you should regularly inspect your roof for mold and mildew, even when your roof ventilation is working well.

You can tell if your attic has mold if you smell a musty odor or notice peeling wall paint. If your attic is mold-infested, you should schedule a professional inspection and possible repair or replacement of the ventilation system.

Sagging Roof

If the ventilation fans are damaged or old, they won't allow free airflow in the roof. As such, the roof shingles will struggle to contain the trapped moisture and may eventually start to crack or sag. Therefore, if you notice that your roof is sagging, you should check the condition of your attic ventilation because it might be the culprit behind the roof damage.

Rust

Metals rust when they are exposed to excess moisture. So, if you notice rust on metal components such as nails, fasteners, and HVAC ducts, it could be a sign that the roof ventilation is damaged and needs to be fixed.

Deterioration of Roofing Materials

High humidity and condensation due to unregulated attic temperatures can cause the roofing materials to expand and contract. This damages the materials over time, leading to leaks and roof failure in the worst-case scenario. While you can always measure your attic's humidity levels and remove the moisture using a dehumidifier, fixing the real problem gives a long-lasting solution.

High Energy Bills

Have you noticed a sudden surge in your energy bills? If yes, then your attic ventilation could be the cause. When the roof ventilation system is worn out or damaged, your cooling systems will overwork to remove warm air from the house during summer. This will have you paying more to keep your home's temperatures regulated.

Extreme Heat in the Attic

Attics tend to get warmer than the rest of the house during summer. If your attic is well-ventilated, it should mimic the outside temperatures of your home. But if it's poorly ventilated, it traps in heat and can get extremely hot. The warm air can flow downstairs into the kitchen, bedroom, or other living spaces, forcing your HVAC system to overwork.

Presence of Unwanted Pests

Poor attic ventilation creates the perfect place for pests like termites and cockroaches to thrive. Ventilation issues can also damage your roof, gutters, and siding, creating an opening for pests like rats, mice, and raccoons to enter. If you start noticing these pests around your attic, you should probably check if the roof ventilation works well.

Ice Dams

Ice dams are pretty common in cold areas. The dams occur when snow builds up on the roof, melts during the day, and freezes at night. Regular melting and refreezing of the ice creates barriers, known as ice dams, which prevent water from flowing well on the roof.

A proper attic ventilation system maintains a consistent roof temperature, helping prevent ice dams. Therefore, you shouldn't ignore ice dams on the roof since they could imply that the roof ventilation fans are not working properly.

Upgrade Your Attic Ventilation

Some of the most common signs of roof ventilation issues include a sagging roof, ice dams on the roof, mold, and mildew in the attic, and high energy bills. If you notice any of these signs, you should schedule an inspection with a roofing ventilation expert to confirm whether the problem comes from the ventilation system.

After that, you can fix the issue by repairing or replacing the entire roof ventilation system. For the best results, consult a roofing expert who is conversant with the different types of roof ventilation systems. They will advise you on the best system for your house.