Wild winter weather swings can leave homeowners in warmer climates unprepared for sudden ice dam buildups. In these environments, solar attic fans can offer valuable protection from unexpected elements.
In areas where snowfall is rare, solar attic fans are typically used to keep homes cool and reduce humidity during the hot summer months. But even in these regions, drastic shifts in temperature can happen. And when they do, many homeowners can be left completely unprepared for dangerous ice dams that form in the eaves.
Tennessee residents, for instance, were warned about these hazardous buildups coming their way last winter. These typically form from the runoff that occurs when snow melts upon contact with a home’s warm roof. When temperatures suddenly dip below freezing, the water rapidly refreezes in the eaves. A blockage of ice then forms, causing additional runoff to seep back underneath the shingles and into the attic.
If left untreated, this buildup of water damage will cause mold, mildew and fungus to develop in the attic. On top of hefty repair bills, this can lead to serious health problems for occupants inside. In extreme cases, entire buildings may be condemned.
Since snowfall is rare in warmer regions, homeowners can be in for a long wait for repairs when ice dams form. Local contractors and resources may become overwhelmed when unexpected cold weather hits these areas. Worse, insurance may not cover damage from ice dams in warmer regions.
HOW CAN SOLAR ATTIC FANS KEEP YOUR ROOF SAFE?
A healthy and moisture-free attic needs to have all its air cycled out at least 10 times every hour. That’s every six minutes!
Many homes come with built-in vents to circulate air. These passive vents are often enough to satisfy the requirements of local building codes. However, they often provide ineffective ventilation. Without mechanical parts, they rely solely on differences in indoor and outdoor air pressure to circulate air. These passive vents are just not up to the task!
Solar attic fans, like those in iSolarSolutions’ bestselling FLEX line, can protect your roof during sudden weather swings by pushing out hot air that builds up in your attic. This cools the roof, preventing snow from melting and refreezing in the eaves to form ice dams. By keeping your roof cool and dry in the winter months, solar attic fans can play a pivotal role in preventing water damage from turning into bigger problems involving mold and rot.
These fans automatically switch on when your home’s attic isn’t getting enough ventilation, giving your passive vents a much-need boost. They also add nothing to your home’s electricity bills.
The fans in iSolar Solutions’ lineup can also be fitted with a TAS 100 Miami Dade and CSA-approved SNOWVENTCO cover for added attic protection. Featuring micropore technology, these covers prevent over 99 per cent of snow, hail, rail, incense and vermin out of your attic, while still allowing air to flow freely.
The TAS 100 Miami Dade certification makes the SNOWVENTCO cover especially suitable for the unpredictable weather of sunbelt states. It is the only certified cover of its kind that is:
- Blizzard wind and snow proof
- Hail resistant
- Hurricane wind and rain proof
- Resistant to fading and weakening (after 4,500 hours of heat lamp testing)
- Rated at a higher fire resistance rating than asphalt shingles, and releases less toxic emissions than most roof materials in the event of fire
- CSA approved and TAS 100 Miami Dade approved
IS INSTALLING ONE DIFFICULT?
Solar attic fans do not have complicated wiring, so installing one is a breeze! Most general contractors and roofers can handle the job in as little as 15 minutes. The solar attic fans offered by iSolar Solutions fit into most existing vent holes, minimizing the need for alterations to your roof. For added peace of mind, all iSolar Solutions products come with a limited 20-year warranty. In addition, iSolar Solutions maintains a network of trusted installation partners who thoroughly understand the science of proper building ventilation.
To learn more about how a solar attic fan can keep your home and attic safe from wild weather swings, please contact one of our knowledgeable sales staff at 1-844-684-7723, or by email at info@isolarsolutions.com.
