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Roof ventilation, no matter the type of roofing material used, is important for a home’s integrity, surprisingly, it is a vital aspect of roofing that most property owners are unaware about. Why is roof ventilation so important, especially for residential homes?

The reason is that heat builds up under a roof as intense rays from the sun beat down on it day after day, and year after year, essentially baking the supporting layers beneath it. Metal roofing, even with high-quality COLORSTEEL® roof coating, does absorbs and gives off heat, especially during the hot times of the year, and ventilation helps to cool underneath the roof.

Roof Ventilation is Important for Metal Roofing

Basically, roof ventilation allows heat to rise and hot air to escape, while at the same time allowing cooler air to flow, providing a natural source of air circulation that helps to protect the roof. If a metal roof doesn’t have adequate ventilation many problems can develop, such as mildew can develop on materials under the roof and in the attic, cause heat damage, and it can raise the temperature in the rest of the house, which will cause more energy spent to cool the home.

Not only does natural airflow made possible with proper roof ventilation makes sure that water vapours do not create mould and mildew under the roof and in the attic, and prevent heat damage to materials in the attic, but its main appeal is that it is an effective way to lower energy costs.

Roof Ventilation Equates to Energy Savings

Metal roofing sheets with light colour are the best at reflecting the sun’s rays and can significantly help to cool a home naturally, which reduces the overall energy used to regulate the temperature inside your home, by preventing heat from building up in the attic. High-quality metal roofs provide the best ventilation, especially when coated with COLORSTEEL®, which is why both residential and commercial metal roofs are so popular with builders and property owners in New Zealand.

Installing a residential or commercial steel roof has many benefits, which is why so many property owners prefer them. If you are considering installing a new roof, or need re-roofing done, please feel free to contact us here at Johnson Roofing, we offer a free consultation by appointment.

Even though steel roofing is preferred because of its hardy nature, there are areas of roofs that are susceptible to leaks, dampness, and harsh weather, especially as the years pass. Areas of roofs around chimneys, skylights, roof valleys, and the intersection where two opposing surfaces meet, where water runoff is heavy, are more at risk to leaks and water damage than any other part of a metal roof. In areas such as these, flashing is required to provide extra protection.

The best way to protect and preserve roof flashing is pre-emptive roof maintenance, and by having your roof inspected at least once a year to catch any potential problems from become expensive headaches. However, no matter how well a roof is constructed, eventually, nature takes it toll on a roof. Roof flashing is usually the first areas to be negatively affected, which usually requires some level of maintenance and repairs.

When a metal roof inspection is conducted, the roofing professional will alert you of any concerns or problems developing so these can be fixed and it is the best way to keep your roof in good health. It is not uncommon to find that roof flashing needs repairing, however, there are times when roof flashing problems are discovered that do need immediate attention and repairs, common roof flashing problems that ever property owners should know about.

Common Roof Flashing Problems that should be Repaired Immediately

Skylight roof flashing – although these add comfort to any room, the most common roof flashing problems happen here. When skylight flashing corrodes and fails, water has direct access to your home and should be fixed ASAP. Most flashing problems that are associated with skylights are caused by improper installation.

So, if you have a skylight, and you haven’t had a roof inspection for some time, it is advised to have it checked, especially if you have wood flooring in your home, to prevent water from damaging your flooring.

Chimney flashing – unlike skylights, problems with roof flashing around chimneys is harder to spot, and can cause much more damage because leaks can go unnoticed for some time. When roof flashing is either improperly installed or corrodes with age, moisture can seep under the roof and gain access to the attic area, in between walling, and ultimately onto flooring, all of which can cause serious water damage.

Although skylight and chimney flashings problems are the most common, usually because these are improperly installed after the roof has been set, when there are leaks in these areas water has the potential to enter your home directly, which is why any leaks in these areas need to be repaired immediately.

If you notice any leaks coming from your skylight, chimney, or any part of your roof, call metal roofing experts here at Johnson Roofing, we offer an emergency 24 hour Auckland leak repair service.