Proper attic ventilation offers numerous advantages to the homeowner.
Schmatic of propery ventilated attic.
It helps prevent moisture buildup in your attic which during colder months can help prevent condensation.
In other words the entire vent opening doesn t count as vented space.
The most common mistake homeowners make when installing insulation is to block the flow of air at the eaves.
Ventilation of attic spaces is required by most building codes as well as by roofing material manufacturers and the national roofing contractors association nrca.
In some cases the condensation can be bad enough to be mistaken for a roof leak.
Taking advantage of this natural process referred to as passive ventilation is the most common way to vent an.
Most building codes require a ratio of 1 150 ventilation space to attic floor space.
Before we explore how to ventilate an attic space it is prudent to understand how much ventilation is needed.
The insulation will resist heat transfer into the house.
In the summer good attic ventilation reduces heat buildup.
Improper attic ventilation can lead to higher energy consumption as an air conditioner will have to work harder to maintain a constant indoor temperature on the upper floors.
Unless these items are properly ventilated through the roof.
Look at your eaves and roof.
That said air resistance and interference such as vent grates reduces the area of true ventilation.
Ventilation can be accomplished using various products and techniques.
Good ventilation allows the heat and moisture to escape.
As the ventilation helps moderate the temperatures in the attic this may also help moderate the temperature in the.
That cuts cooling costs and prolongs shingle life.
That keeps your attic dry and reduces ice dams.
They include rafters and ceiling joists that are damp or blackened with mold.
Never cover attic soffit vents with insulation use rafter vents and soffit vents to maintain airflow.
Here are some subtle and some not so subtle things to watch out for.
Hot air exhaust vents located at the peak of the roof allow hot air to escape.
In the winter warm moist air seeps into the attic from the living space below.
If your attic is not sufficiently vented you probably won t have to look very hard to find signs.
Here are four signs of an unventilated or under ventilated attic.
Condensation that forms inside attics can be caused by washing machines dish washers bath tubs showers etc.
An inadequate attic ventilation system can cause a variety of problems that manifest themselves in different ways.