What Happens If My Roof Vent /Stack Stops Up?
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Purpose of Roof Vents and Stacks
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Roof vents serve important functions in the home. During hot summer months, roof vents and stacks ventilate hot air within the attic to the exterior of the home. In addition to the ventilation of hot air, roof vents and stacks provide a means for moisture produced within the home to vent to the outside of the home through the attic.
Proper Ventilation
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Attic temperatures can reach temperatures of 150 to 160 degrees F on hot summer days with outside air temperatures of 95 to 97 degrees F. Roof vents and stacks exchange heated air in the attic with cooler exterior air and provide significant drops in attic temperatures as a result of attic ventilation. The exchange of air using roof vents and stacks reduces attic temperatures from approximately 150 degrees F to around 105 degrees F, reducing the energy needed to run the air conditioning system.
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When Roof Vents/Stacks Stop Up
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Stopped-up roof vents and stacks limit the exchange of heated air and moisture in the attic with cooler air from the exterior of the home. As ventilation drops, the air conditioner has to work harder and moisture may build up. Condensation on insulation and construction materials can cause deterioration.
Increased Costs
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With a total cooling cost of $300 per month, a properly vented attic contributes $45 to the total cost with 15 percent of the cost derived from attic heat. A home with inadequate ventilation from stopped-up roof vents and roof stacks sees an increase of an additional $45 at 30 percent. Over the course of one year, this is an increased cooling cost of $540.
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