Information for the home owner

WHY VENTILATION IS ESSENTIAL TO PREVENT HEAT BUILD-UP

In summer, ventilation reduces attic temperatures by as much as 30°F—extending shingle life and reducing energy bills.

Heat in an unventilated attic can cause temperatures to exceed 150°F, causing damage to the shingles and roof sheathing and possibly radiating to the living area.

Ventilation rids the attic of excess moisture:

• Dampness contributes to mold and mildew growth which can lead to major health problems

• Condensation can damage wood, plaster, paint and insulation

In winter, ventilation helps to keep the roof uniformly cold to prevent ice damming.

By ventilating, you are preventing moisture problems and extending the life of shingles, insulation and other building components.

ICE DAMS

Another winter problem caused by poor ventilation is the formation of ice dams. Ice dams form in cooler climates in the winter when heat collects in a poorly ventilated and/or inadequately insulated attic. Built-up attic heat combines with the sun’s warmth to melt snow on the roof, even though outside temperatures may be below freezing. Then the flow of melting snow refreezes at the eaves and gutters. This freeze-thaw cycle can result in a pool of water that can back up under roof shingles and behind fascia boards, soaking roof decking and wall sheathing, damaging exterior and interior walls, peeling paint and ruining ceilings. Soaked lumber and building materials lead to secondary problems: wood rot, bug infestation, mold and degradation of structural integrity.

Information Supplied by QE ( See literature in the link below)

HOW DOES UNDERSTANDING CONDENSATION APPLY TO WINDOWS?

To determine this, it can be easier to start by obtaining the outside temperature, because the outside cold temperature will affect the inside glass and vinyl temperatures. The colder it is outside, the colder the inside surface temperatures will be. 

Measuring the outside and inside temperatures help, but the 30 degree rule is easier and brings this together. Glass for windows is typically dual pane with argon (DLA), so you can expect the window surfaces to have a 30-degree temperature difference from outside to inside. For example, if it’s zero degrees outside, the inside glass and vinyl surfaces should be around 30 degrees.

When applying this to the Dew Point temperature, if the inside glass surface temperature is below the established Dew Point temperature, then water will leave the air and lay on the glass surface.

Information Supplied by ProVia ( See literature in the link below)

 Locating your order number is essential to registering your warranty or submitting a warranty request. The graphic below illustrates where to locate your order number on your window or door. 

Information Supplied by PlyGem