When we think of the benefits of attic insulation, we may think of improvements in indoor air quality, an increase in energy efficiency, and lower electricity bills. However, attic insulation isn’t just good for your home’s interior. It can also help preserve the integrity of your roof. If you’re on the fence about installing attic insulation, take a look at some of the benefits it can provide your roof that shouldn’t be ignored.
Prevents Ice Dams
Ice dams occur when water freezes on a roof and prevents water from flowing freely off your roof. When water pools and accumulates, it will find the path of least resistance and seep through shingles and cracks, causing leaks. How can insulation prevent this?
When a roof isn’t evenly insulated, the warmer areas of the roof will melt faster than the colder areas, which is what causes water to pool in the first place. When you insulate your attic, your roof will sustain a more even temperature across the surface, allowing snow to melt more evenly to prevent dams and subsequent leaks.
Inhibits Mold Growth
Mold loves warm, wet conditions. Attic insulation maintains the interior temperature of your home and keeps the area dry; this makes it much harder for spores to take root in the first place. Attic insulation is great at preventing mold growth, and though mold may not seem like the most important problem on your to-do list, it shouldn’t be ignored.
When left unattended, mold can deteriorate the shingles of your roof. Shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against inclement weather, which means that a mold infestation can very easily lead to roof leakages.
Strengthens Rafters
As the seasons change, wood tends to contract and expand as water within the porous material freezes and evaporates. Your home’s wooden rafters will likely go through the same amount of contracting and expanding, leading to cracks. Rafters are a critical and essential part of your roof’s frame, which is why you need to preserve their structural integrity.
Attic insulation helps regulate these temperatures, mitigating the amount of absorption and freezing your wooden rafters experience throughout the season. The more you protect your rafters from cracking, the better your roof’s structural integrity will be.
If your roof has suffered damage due to subpar insulation, contact Conde Roofing & Construction today. We’ll put you in touch with one of your roofing contractors to assess the damages and find a solution that fits your budget.
