The Problems Caused by Poor Attic Insulation and How It Damages Roofs

Many people consider the roof to be the key protector of the home, however few realize that the attic is not far behind, with nearly equal value and importance. While shingles and flashing keep the exterior of your home protected; the attic works quietly, behind the scenes, to help regulate temperatures and remove moisture, thus keeping the entire roofing system intact. Poor or failing insulation in your attic will set into motion a chain reaction of damaging impacts viewed everywhere from the roof, down through the rest of the whole home.

That is why professional Roofers Meridian MS, such as the trusted team at B&A Roofing, very often impresses upon individuals the importance of proper attic insulation. Poor insulation will cause heating and cooling bills to be higher than normal, potentially damaging roof materials as well as causing leaking – in other words, more expenses with repairs! If the homeowner had been informed ahead of damages occurring, he would have saved money.

Temperature Extremes that Weaken the Roof Structure

The insulation installed in the attic was meant to keep consistent temperatures within the home ,for comfort. When that insulation gets compromised, either failing or inadequate to work – it permits heat to rise in the summer months – thus raising attic temperatures to unanimably unsafe levels – for the roof. Conversely, in the winter months, it allows for ‘warm’ conditioned air, to escape into the roof assembly and attic space creating a whole different problem.

Temperature variations may cause the following:

Shingle deterioration
Warped roof decking
Expansion and contraction of materials
Reduced service life of roofs

Without insulation to regulate temperatures, your roof is under constant stress. This is one of the realities Roofers Meridian MS see often when diagnosing early roof deterioration.

Excess Moisture and Condensation Build-Up

Indoor air, especially when warm, always rises. Poor insulation allows that air to reach the attic and condenses on cold surfaces, particularly during cooler months.

This leads to:

Moisture accumulation
Mold and mildew growth
Rotted wood
Damp or poor insulation
Water stains on ceiling

Moisture is the enemy of roofing…every roofing system. Over time, this hidden condensation causes structural weakening that eventually needs to be addressed with Roof repair Meridian MS. Because the damage begins slowly, many homeowners do not often notice anything until the problem is severe.

Higher Chance for Ice Dams Even in Moderate Climates

Although Mississippi does not have freezing winters that are brutal, finding temperatures in the freezing area is not unusual. In other words – even in the winter, if insulation is poor or nonexistent, you will find warmer air melting the snow on the roof cover faster. The water created will slide down the slope of the roof before freezing again along the edges of the roof, which are generally much colder. Thus, this forms ice dams.

Ice dams cause:

Blocked drainage
Shingle lifting
Water backup in the attic
Damage to roof decking and insulation

Once the ice dam has formed, it greatly promotes the chances of leaks. The right roofing contractor can locate and correct the insulation-related problems that cause this issue.

Increased Power Bill and Strain on HVAC Equipment

Poor attic insulation means that the heating and cooling unit in the home will have to work cannot work as efficiently. This specific style of insulation means you are paying more for your indoor air to reach and stay at a more comfortable temperature. The results will be almost immediate:

Higher utility bills each month
Rooms that never feel warm or cool enough
Overworking of HVAC systems beyond their capacity

What most homeowners don’t realize, however, is that the very same stress puts added burdens on a roof: heat buildup in the attic accelerates aging of the shingles, while uneven temperature gradients weaken the structure as a whole, making for a roof more prone to damage during a storm and perhaps needing premature repairs.

Premature Shingle Aging

Poor insulation overheats the attic, and shingles begin to deteriorate a lot sooner than they really should. Too much heat leads these shingles to:

Curl
Crack
Bubble
Lose granules

These signs of wear weaken the protective barrier of your roof and make leaks far more likely. Aging shingles have been pinpointed by many a professional roofers Meridian MS, as symptoms of deeper insulation and ventilation problems.

Structural Damage to Roof Decking

The roof decking is the base of your whole roofing system. Poor insulation creates moisture, heat, and uneven temperatures affecting the decking from underneath.

Any signs of deck damage include:

Soft or spongy spots on the roof
Sagging areas
Musty smells in the attic
Visible water damage or stains

Once decking becomes compromised, a very serious Roof repair Meridian MS situation is at hand that necessitates the expertise of professionals

Mold Growth and Air Quality Issues

An indication that poor insulation is causing issues is the ability of moisture to be trapped in areas where it doesn’t belong. This eventually creates an environment that is ideal for mold to grow. The growth of mold not only works on the wood and insulation, but the health risks to everyone within the home are serious.

A mold-infected roofing system usually requires extensive repairs in the form of insulation replacement, treatment of infected wood, and sealing of sites and areas where air leakage occurs.

How B&A Roofing Repairs Damage Caused by Poor Insulation

The team at B&A Roofing knows that insulation issues in homes affect the entire home, not just the attic. When called for help, their professionals are trained to:

Thoroughly inspect the attic.
Identify insulation gaps and airflow restrictions
Inspect roof decking for water damage
Check shingles for evidence of overheating
Recommend upgrades to insulation or ventilation
Repair any roof damage caused by long-term insulation issues

With a condition like this, one is correcting the primary problem at hand, preventing damage to one’s home for many years.

Final Thoughts

Although the signs or symptoms of damaging climate conditions in your attic due to poor insulation can be quiet, the damage itself is not. The damages can range from moisture buildups to shingle damage to structural instability in your entire roofing system. This is one of those areas that a qualified roofers Meridian MS, and a trusted company like B&A Roofing can find and address long before any costly repairs that are if you take a proactive response.

If you suspect that your insulation isn’t doing its job, or if you have seen any of the above signs, don’t wait. A stronger and healthier roof starts with a properly insulated house attic.