Attic Air Flow

Increased ventilation will make the entire roof cold and reduce or eliminate ice dams.

Attic air flow.

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. 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. The insulation will resist heat transfer into the house. Taking advantage of this natural process referred to as passive ventilation is the most common way to vent an attic.

I have large attic with ridge vents and screened vents at either end of the attic to maintain air flow. Box out light fixtures. That means air can t flow from the soffit vents to the roof vents. These ice dams form when warm attic air melts the snow on the roof and the water refreezes along the colder edge of the roof.

Choose one of the following products to meet the recommended intake nfva of 528 square inches. A different animal first think of your attic and roof as a separate entity from your home. Misconceptions about the air flow in your attic can lead to thousands of dollars in damage and repair costs. If your attic is well insulated the insulation might be plugging the spaces between rafters just above exterior walls.

The solution is to add baffles which allow air to flow past the insulation photo 9. Water is insulation s enemy. The following product options will allow you to achieve an intake nfva of 528 square inches. 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.

Look for water stains on the roof sheathing or damp or moldy spots on attic joists and existing insulation as a clue to where leaks might be. Can i put a small swamp cooler or ventless a c unit up there to cool it only to use while i am in my shop maybe an hour or two a couple times a week. Whole house fans powered attic fans. We insulate moisture proof and throw up every barrier to heat and cold.

The ice traps water behind it allowing the water to seep back under the shingles and leak through the roof. Allows cool dry air to enter the attic. It creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew and ruins the air trapping pockets that block heat flow. Fans and vents may be installed on the roof system that will draw the air out of the attic space and exhaust it to the exterior.

Hot air exhaust vents located at the peak of the roof allow hot air to escape. 53 lineal feet required. I have a shop in my attic for some of my hobbies and it get s very hot in the summer. Your home is a heated conditioned area that is designed to keep air in.

Baffles are available at home centers.