As we creep slowly through the wet season here in Toronto – the rainy months of April and May, that is – thoughts naturally turn to concerns about mold buildup that can easily occur in the hot summer months. Typically, if you live in a traditional pitched roof house, then you very likely have an attic that you like to use for storage. While it can be a relief to have expansive storage space right on the premises where you live, it can become very stressful if mold, the weather or even furry little critters, start to infiltrate the attic wreaking havoc and jeopardizing your cherished belongings. In light of this concern, we highly suggest upgrading – or at the very least inspecting – your ventilation systems to make sure they are up to snuff this spring and summer.
Our roof repair experts in Toronto are extremely well versed in all types of roof vents, and have a preference for ridge vents and gable vents when it comes to efficiently airing out your roof and attic space without letting in the outside elements. Ridge vents are very sophisticated vents that integrate perfectly with the sleek ridge of your pitched roof. Ideally, these vents are installed when the roof is initially put in, as it is built into the structure itself. Whirly-bird ventilators and square-top ventilators can also get the job done, but you need to install quite a few of them for the desired result and they are still not as all-powerful as the mighty ridge vent!
If you want to improve attic ventilation this spring and summer, one of the best ways to accomplish your goal is to install gable vents, which, like ridge vents, seamlessly blend in with the exterior architecture of your home. Gable vents are composed of slatted louvers – you simply replace a chunk of your house’s siding with the vents and presto! You’ve got a hidden ventilator airing out your attic. Some people even like the aesthetic of the slatted louvers along the wall of their home, as a sort of functional accent. Most of these gable vents should have molded in screens that prevent debris, critters and insects from getting into your roof or home. While the vents are narrow enough that squirrels and raccoons probably wouldn’t be a problem, bees and hornets love to fly into these types of vents and make a home. This can be a pain in the butt, and a pain wherever the bees sting you when you’re trying to remove the nest!
Ventilation is not only important for protecting the wellbeing of your stored belongings, it is also important for the safety and preservation of the structure of your roof and home. Once moisture seeps into the plywood beneath your shingles and yields mold, the lifespan of your roof is severely reduced. Furthermore, mold can quickly spread inside of your house creating bigger problems and even attacking your respiratory system.
Roof and attic ventilation is no joke, so call us to learn more and book a roof inspection with one of our expert roofers in Toronto today. The rainy seasons are upon us, so batten down down the hatches and be patient: summer is almost upon us!