Especially in areas of high humidity and heavy moisture, roofs will rot. While radiant barriers take much of the blame, rotting roofs are usually caused by poor ventilation, not radiant barriers. Ventilation allows fresh air to replace the existing air and circulate within an attic. This keeps the attic, and your roof, at a moderate temperature in summer and winter, and extends the life of your roofing materials. While improperly installed radiant barriers can cause moisture problems, it’s relatively rare. Usually poor attic ventilation is to blame for any moisture or rot problems you experience with your roofing.

Radiant barriers are a thin layer of reflective material that reflects radiant heat back into your home in winter, and out of your home during the summer months. It has been proven in many situations to have a significant impact on heating and cooling bills. If properly installed in an attic with good ventilation, then radiant insulation shouldn’t cause you any problems with moisture. However, if the radiant barriers were improperly installed over existing insulation on the attic floor, instead of directly onto the roof trusses or roof decking, you might have a problem. The combination of poor installation and poor attic ventilation can lead to moisture build up and rotting roofs.

How to Tell if Your Radiant Barriers Are the Source of the Problem? All you need do is take a quick peek into the attic. If your radiant insulation is installed on the roof trusses or decking, reflective side in, you should be fine. If it’s been laid over the top of the fiberglass insulation on your attic floor, you’ve got your insulation contractor to blame. Talk to our experts about removing the existing reflective insulation and getting it re-installed properly. If you don’t, and you’re already experiencing problems with moisture buildup, it’s only going to get worse and more costly.

If you have moisture accumulation in your attic that has caused roof rot or other moisture associated problems, it’s important that you talk with us immediately in order to assess damage, identify the source of your problem, and get everything back up to code. If your roof has experienced significant rot you may be in for some major repairs, including repairing or replacing the roof trusses, decking, and roofing material. Since it’s unlikely your radiant barriers caused your problem, this is a good time to address the source of your moisture problem as well (most likely poor ventilation). Installing gable vents, ridge vents, soffit vents, and attic fans are all effective strategies in eliminating poor attic ventilation. Remember, your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Anything short of a roof in excellent condition isn’t worth risking in the long run.

Has it been a while since a professional has inspected your roof? Contact Expert Restoration Service Today! As a trusted, local contractor, we want the best for you and your property. It is our goal to provide you with the most streamlined and hassle-free projects you’ve ever had. Contact us at 317.643.1207 or book online now for a free, no-pressure consultation and estimate!

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