Don’t Let Your Home Be Hot-Headed

11 Mar

In 2020, Hurricane Sally hit the Gulf Coast. Its damage spanned far and wide, but one aspect stood out: homes that were updated to the most recent roofing codes often fared significantly better than those that were not. With each hurricane that sweeps the coastline, more weaknesses are exposed in the roofing codes and subsequently updated. Yet, there are still harmful shortcomings with the designs of most home roofs and attics.

Your Attic’s Inner-Workings

Current code stipulates that there must be a ridge vent - a system along the peak of a roof that facilitates the exhaust of warm air and maintains airflow. This supports the structural integrity of the roof by preventing intense heat and moisture from building up. Yet, with the Southern summer lasting up to six months, you’re practically leaving your duct work in an oven that whole time.

When the weather is warm and sunny, your attic can reach up to 130 degrees. As the temperature rises, the hot air expands faster than most ridge vents can push it out of the house. Without an escape, the hot air pushes down into the house through recess lighting and AC registers. When your AC has to process so much warmth, it starts sweating, with condensation collecting throughout the system.

The Problem with a Sweaty AC

This moist heat is the perfect environment for mold growth. Air circulation systems are often so heavily neglected that most homeowners don’t think to clean them out or maintain them until a repair or replacement is absolutely necessary. Meanwhile, mold is sneakily sprawling throughout the system that circulates the air you and your family are breathing. As air circulates throughout the house, mold spores can make it to every surface and inside every cavity, including your lungs.

To cool the issue down, attend your sizzling hot roof and attic to prevent mold from growing. By necessity, the Gulf Coast region has some of the most stringent and advanced roofing codes in the country. But to truly protect your home, you need to go beyond the minimum required by code. The roofing codes focus on wind resistance and ensuring your roof can survive a major storm, but they neglect concerns of the intense Southern heat.

Go Above and Beyond

You may want to invest in cool roofing materials, radiant barriers, or dehumidifying systems. Your home insulation should be updated and regularly checked. These can be costly updates, but will certainly prevent much costlier long-term damage. If this is out of the question for you, that’s okay - just be sure to take care of your inside air systems. Help your AC to help you by maintaining it and cleaning it regularly.