Proper attic ventilation: The key to roof longevity

By Jesse Sanchez.

Learn how balancing airflow can prevent damage, lower energy costs and protect your warranty.

Proper attic ventilation is critical for maintaining roof integrity, reducing energy costs and upholding manufacturer warranties. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Karen Edwards speaks with Mark Huysken, strategic account manager at Quarrix Building Products, about the often-overlooked importance of attic airflow and its impact on home performance.

"Proper attic ventilation is so critical. It's kind of like changing the oil in your car," Mark explains. "It's something we don't think about very often, but we need to take care of."

A common misconception, according to Mark, is that ventilation is just about releasing air. "We have to think of our attic like a set of lungs," he says. "The attic has to inhale just like it has to exhale."

Without proper ventilation, heat buildup in summer can drive attic temperatures 30 to 60 degrees higher than outdoor levels, increasing cooling costs and deteriorating roofing materials. "That heat is going to cause your cooling bill to rise because it starts feeding its way down into the home," Mark warns. Additionally, excessive heat can warp decking and compromise shingles, potentially voiding warranties. He adds, "Most shingle manufacturers have it in their warranty — inadequate attic ventilation can void the warranty."

The colder months bring another set of challenges. "I get a few calls a year and roofers understand this. They get a lot of calls about leaking attics or what people think is a leaking roof. The reality is, the roof is probably not leaking — it’s built-up moisture from poor ventilation that had to go somewhere," Mark notes. Poor ventilation can lead to condensation, frost buildup on metal components and eventual water damage inside the home.

Mark encourages contractors to educate homeowners on these risks and the importance of balanced ventilation. He explains, "The biggest thing is do it right. You're selling probably some sort of a lifetime shingle system, maybe a full system, but some sort of a life. They're all pretty much a lifetime or a limited lifetime warranty. When you sell that to somebody that you want to make sure the warranty is going to uphold because you're doing a proper attic ventilation in the process."

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast for more insights from Mark Huysken on ventilation strategies and industry innovations!