Roofing companies know that installing roofs is not limited to stapling shingles. If you have installed a roof, ask your contractor to inspect your attic for deflectors.
A properly installed roof and attic insulation are of vital importance. Without them, your roof could be leaking every time it rains or snows. Plus, you could lose a lot of heat in the winter and fresh air in the summer if the roof is not well insulated. Owners might be tempted to add the protector themselves, but many roofing contractors discourage them from trying to solve this type of project themselves. This is because the owners miss a very important step - the inclusion of baffles. If the term chicane leaves you, well, uncomfortable, this guide is for you.
What is a chicane?
Just what is a chicane? A deflector is a small piece of cardboard or plastic that fits between the insulation and the cladding and creates a small space. This space allows air to circulate freely and prevents the insulation from covering the soffit winds. Without the ventilation provided by the deflectors, air can get stuck in the attic. Baffles work like windows - when there are just one, not many changes. However, when you have several baffles, you get a cross breeze that allows hot air to escape.
Why they are important
A poorly ventilated attic can cause some problems. First of all, the ventilation keeps the air as close as possible to the outside temperature in the winter. This helps prevent ice build-up, which occurs when the roof heats up and melts the ice. Without a baffle, water can get trapped behind a section of ice, causing stagnant water to accumulate. This water has nowhere to go, which means it will eventually seep through the shingles and cause damage inside the house.
Why use a roofing contractor to add them?
If you are installing a new house, it is straightforward for the roofing contractor to add baffles. However, if you are working on an existing home, you will probably want the roofing contractor to install them while they work on your roof. Your contractor should thoroughly inspect the inside and the outside of your house so that they can provide you with a precise estimate of costs before the job is done. The last thing you want is for the company to forget to include them in your estimations and cover the cost towards the end of the job.
As you interview the roofing contractor, ask them to check your loft. A right roofing contractor will know how important ventilation is and that he must make sure that the deflectors are installed correctly to complete the job accurately. The roofing companies will know how many baffles are needed and how to install them so that there are no gaps where the insulation can slip and block the air.
Installing a roof is more complicated than stapling some shingles on plywood. Roofing companies are experienced and know everything they need to do to properly protect a house from rain, snow, and other elements.
