When commercial building owners in Onalaska, WI think about a new roof installation, the focus is often on the roofing material, warranties, or installation timelines. However, one crucial component that often gets overlooked is ventilation. Without proper ventilation, even the highest quality roofing systems can suffer from premature aging, moisture buildup, and energy inefficiency.
If you’re planning a commercial roof installation in Onalaska, WI, make sure ventilation is part of the conversation. For professional guidance, you can contact MQ Roofing at (608) 553-3300 for a detailed consultation based on your building’s needs.
Why Proper Ventilation Matters in Roof Installation
Ventilation in commercial roofing isn’t just about temperature control. It plays a vital role in ensuring your roofing system performs well over time. Proper roof ventilation allows air to circulate under the roof deck, helping to balance temperature and humidity inside the attic or ceiling cavity.
This circulation prevents several critical issues that can affect the durability and performance of your roof system:
- Moisture buildup: Without airflow, trapped moisture can lead to condensation that damages insulation, corrodes metal components, and encourages mold growth.
- Thermal imbalance: In the summer, poor ventilation can lead to heat buildup, increasing HVAC strain and raising internal temperatures.
- Material degradation: Prolonged heat and moisture exposure can shorten the lifespan of roofing membranes and materials, leading to costly early repairs.
Key Ventilation Strategies
In commercial structures, ventilation must be designed around the building’s layout, use, and roofing system. Here are several ventilation methods often considered during roof installation:
Ridge and Soffit Vent Systems
These are passive ventilation methods that work on the principle of natural convection. Cool air enters through soffit vents, rises as it warms, and exits through ridge vents. Though more common in sloped systems, they can also be adapted for low-slope commercial roofs.
Mechanical Ventilation
In buildings where natural airflow is insufficient or the roof has minimal slope, mechanical fans or exhaust systems can be installed. These are particularly useful in manufacturing plants or commercial kitchens where heat and moisture levels are higher than average.
Static Vents and Turbine Vents
These vents allow hot air to escape without the need for electrical systems. While less dynamic than mechanical systems, they offer a reliable, energy-free ventilation solution for many types of commercial buildings.
Continuous Ventilation
Some commercial roof installations integrate continuous venting systems beneath membrane layers or along perimeter details to ensure uninterrupted airflow and reduce pressure buildup beneath the roof assembly.
Why Ventilation Matters Early in Roof Installation
Too often, ventilation becomes an afterthought, only addressed after issues like high energy bills, leaks, or mold appear. However, integrating ventilation into your roof installation plan from the beginning can prevent these issues entirely.
Benefits of Planning for Ventilation Early Include:
- Improved energy efficiency: A well-ventilated roof reduces heat gain, lowering the burden on HVAC systems.
- Extended roof life: Heat and moisture can degrade membranes and underlayment prematurely. Ventilation protects the integrity of your materials.
- Better indoor air quality: Ventilation helps prevent the accumulation of moisture and mildew, which can affect interior environments and employee health.
- Regulatory compliance: Many commercial codes and insurance providers now require adequate ventilation for warranty and safety purposes.
In Onalaska, WI, where seasonal extremes bring heavy snowfall in winter and high humidity in summer, the importance of proper roof ventilation is even more pronounced. The right system can help prevent ice dams in cold weather and reduce heat buildup during warm months.
Expert Roof Installation
A quality roof installation isn’t just about what goes on top of your building, it’s about what’s beneath it, too. Ventilation plays a foundational role in your roof’s performance, lifespan, and energy efficiency. For commercial building owners in Onalaska, WI, understanding and prioritizing proper ventilation during installation can save money, reduce maintenance, and protect your investment.
If you’re considering a new commercial roof installation or want to assess the ventilation of your existing system, call MQ Roofing at (608) 553-3300. Our team ensures that every roof we install is optimized for long-term performance…including ventilation.
FAQ
Do flat commercial roofs need ventilation?
Yes. While flat roofs don’t allow for attic-style ventilation, they still require airflow to prevent heat and moisture buildup within the roofing system or interior ceiling cavities.
Can ventilation help reduce HVAC costs?
Absolutely. By regulating attic or ceiling space temperatures, ventilation reduces the strain on HVAC systems, improving energy efficiency.
Is ventilation a building code requirement?
In most areas, including Wisconsin, commercial building codes do require some form of ventilation based on square footage, use, and roofing structure.
Should I replace my ventilation system when I get a new roof installed?
Not always, but it’s an excellent time to evaluate your current ventilation. Whether it’s underperforming or not compatible with your new roofing materials, replacement or upgrades are highly recommended.