Proper Attic Ventilation

Ventilation of attic spaces is required by most building codes as well as by roofing material manufacturers and the national roofing contractors association nrca.

Proper attic ventilation.

That keeps your attic dry and reduces ice dams. How attic ventilation works. If those steps don t solve the problem add more soffit vents following the. That cuts cooling costs and prolongs shingle life.

How do you pick the right attic vent. In the summer natural air flow in a well vented attic moves super heated air out of the attic protecting roof shingles and removing moisture. Ventilation can be accomplished using various products and techniques. For instance attic ventilation is used widely in cold climates to evacuate the warm moist air that escapes from the living space below.

Some benefits of removing excess moisture include reducing. Before we explore how to ventilate an attic space it is prudent to understand how much ventilation is needed. As a certified licensed home inspector it is not correct to say too much ventilation is bad for an attic unless rain moisture is getting in. Attic ventilation serves two main functions.

Venting a homes attic is a very important best building practices will say 50 at the ridge and 50 at the soffits unobstructed. A healthy airflow also helps with ice dams which begin to form when warm air in the attic melts the snow from beneath. Proper attic ventilation consists of a balance between air intake at your eaves soffits or fascias and air exhaust at or near your roof ridge. In the winter warm moist air seeps into the attic from the living space below.

If you have either ice dams or moisture buildup improve your attic ventilation. Federal housing authority recommends a minimum of at least 1 square foot of attic ventilation evenly split between intake and exhaust for every 300 square feet of attic floor space. Lowering the temperature in the attic can help reduce air conditioning energy costs and roof deck temperature optimize the service life of a roof covering and minimize ice damming. If this air lingers it can condense on the underside of the roof sheathing and rot it.

In the summer good attic ventilation reduces heat buildup. The insulation will resist heat transfer into. Good ventilation allows the heat and moisture to escape. Proper insulation and air sealing also keeps attics cold in winter by blocking the entry of heat and moist air from below.

Ensuring your home has the proper attic ventilation according to these guidelines however can save yourself the stress and hassle of an emergency roof repair.