Roofing Houston Contractors Debunks Myth on Attic Insulation

All-Tex Home Improvement Services, a Houston-based roofing and home improvement company recently released a warning regarding misconceptions about roofing ventilation.

Houston, TX (prHWY.com) July 31, 2012 - All-Tex Home Improvement Services, a Houston-based roofing and home improvement company recently released a warning regarding misconceptions about roofing ventilation. The company says the recent heat wave has given birth to ventilation myths that can lead homeowners to make the wrong decisions in the future.

The National Roofing Contractors Association say that passive ventilation is the most common form of ventilation for asphalt shingle roofs. According to a roofing consultant from All-Tex Home Improvement Services, passive ventilation relies on the natural upward movement of warm air. Ridge vents installed along the top of the roof allows warm air to escape.

Specifications

Homeowners and inexperienced roofers often assume that ridge vents provide enough ventilation for homes. The truth is, ridge ventilation is enough for some houses as long as the vents are balanced - this is when the area of the ridge vents equal the area of the intake vents on the underside of the roof.

"Too much air flow in the attic can cause blow-offs during storms. Too little airflow is just as bad. A balanced ventilation system regulates the amount of air that goes into your attic." explains a Houston roofer.

Roofers say that more than keeping the roof space cool, ventilation plays a more important role in the well-being of a roof. A roofing contractor clarifies that it's still all about air movement: "With a good ventilation system, you've got plenty of air movement in the roof space. This prevents humidity buildup, so your roof lasts longer."

The 2012 International Residential Code (IRC) prescribes a bigger vent are for regular houses. However, those that experience humid climates can have less vent area. A vapor retarder can be used to eliminate humidity levels on the roof.

Ventilation and insulation

"There is more to ventilation than holes and vents. It's best to consult a contractor if you're not sure with your roofing ventilation," An All-Tex Home Improvement Services roofing expert explains. Ventilation systems can lower attic space temperatures. However, Houston roof contractors say that insulation is still a more effective way of lowering cooling loads. The best way to maximize energy efficiency is to install both ventilation and insulation systems. The ventilation system would take care of the humidity while the insulation prevents temperature transfer.

According to contractors specializing in roofing Houston homes, radiant barriers are yet another effective way to prevent heat transfer in roofs. While insulation slows down the transfer of heat, radiant barriers can reflect up to 97% of the heat back into its source. This allows homeowners to have a cooler roof during summer, and a warmer roof during the cold months.

Powered ventilation

When a home is too big for ridge vents, or when we can't alter the roof structure, roofers use powered ventilation. The recommended air displacement for such ventilation system is 1 cubic feet per minute. Like passive ventilation systems, powered ventilation works by pushing air out of the roof. The only difference is, mechanical vents to force air out of the roof. As such, proper balance still has to be observed when dealing with powered ventilation units.


About All-Tex Home Improvement Services:

All-Tex Home Improvements Services provides roofing and other exterior home improvement services. With 20 years of business, it is among the most established construction companies in Houston.

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Tag Words: roofing houston

Categories: Home And Garden

Press Release Contact
All-Tex Home Improvement Services
1431 Walnut Lane, Kingwood
Houston, TX 77339
Phone: 888-669-1806
Fax: 281-661-1096
Email: sales@alltexexteriors.com

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