Roof Ventilation Milwaukee – Attic Airflow & Efficiency
Prevent Ice Dams & Extend Your Roof's Life
Proper roof ventilation isn't optional in Wisconsin. It's the difference between a roof that lasts 20 years and one that fails in 10.
Holland Exteriors provides attic ventilation installation and repair in Milwaukee and surrounding areas. Ridge vents, soffit vents, and powered ventilators to prevent ice dams and extend roof life. Licensed, insured, BBB A+ rated. Call (414) 340-3890 for a free assessment.
The House That Ate Shingles
Mark Johnson bought a house on Downer Avenue. Beautiful 1920s home. New roof five years ago. But every winter, massive ice dams. Every summer, his attic hit 140 degrees.
He called us because shingles were curling. After just five years. The previous contractor had installed a beautiful new roof. But zero ventilation. The attic couldn't breathe.
Heat and moisture were cooking his roof from underneath.
We showed him the problem with thermal imaging. His attic was 35 degrees warmer than it should be in winter. Snow on his roof melted from below, ran down, and froze at the eaves. Ice dams every time.
We installed proper ventilation: continuous ridge vent at the peak, soffit vents at the eaves. Created a pathway for air to flow from bottom to top. Natural convection doing what it's supposed to do.
That was three winters ago. No ice dams. His cooling bills dropped 20%. And his shingles stopped deteriorating prematurely.
Why Roof Ventilation Matters
Prevents Ice Dams
Keeps your attic cold in winter so snow doesn't melt from below. No melting means no ice dams, no water backup, no interior damage.
Reduces Heat Buildup
Summer attic temperatures can hit 150°F without ventilation. That heat cooks your shingles from underneath, causing premature aging and failure.
Removes Moisture
Bathrooms, kitchens, and daily living create moisture. Without ventilation, it condenses in your attic, causing mold, rot, and insulation damage.
Extends Roof Life
Proper ventilation can add 5-10 years to your roof's life. Most shingle warranties require adequate ventilation to remain valid.
Ventilation Systems We Install
Ridge Vents
Continuous ventilation along the peak of your roof. Hot air rises naturally and exits through the ridge. Works with soffit vents to create continuous airflow. Nearly invisible from the ground.
Soffit Vents
Intake vents under your roof overhangs. Cool air enters here and travels up through the attic. Must be clear and unblocked by insulation to work properly.
Gable Vents
Vents on the ends of your home. Good for cross-ventilation. Often combined with other systems for optimal airflow.
Powered Attic Fans
Electric or solar-powered fans that actively pull hot air out. Good for homes where passive ventilation isn't sufficient. Thermostat-controlled for efficiency.
Signs Your Ventilation Is Inadequate
- Ice dams every winter
Classic sign of heat escaping into your attic
- High summer cooling bills
Superheated attic makes your AC work overtime
- Curling or buckling shingles
Heat from below causes premature aging
- Frost in your attic during winter
Moisture condensing because it can't escape
- Mold or mildew in your attic
Trapped moisture creates perfect conditions for growth
- Rusty nails poking through roof decking
Condensation causing rust from inside
The Right Ventilation Formula
Building code requires 1 square foot of ventilation for every 150 square feet of attic space. But that's the minimum. In Wisconsin's climate, we often recommend more.
The ventilation must be balanced: 50% intake (soffit vents) and 50% exhaust (ridge or gable vents). Unbalanced ventilation is almost as bad as no ventilation.
We calculate the exact ventilation needs for your specific home. Not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Get Your Ventilation Assessed for Free
We'll measure your attic, calculate your ventilation needs, and show you exactly what's required.
Call (414) 340-3890