Checking Attic For Good Ventilation

In the summer good attic ventilation reduces heat buildup.

Checking attic for good ventilation.

Most building codes require a ratio of 1 150 ventilation space to attic floor space. Heat in the attic can roast shingles from below causing them to wear prematurely. How to determine whether you need better attic ventilation. Another important element of attic ventilation is protection for the roof s shingle.

Attic inspections aren t usually foremost on a homebuyer s mind but there are a lot of good reasons for them to get up there or send their home inspector to take a look around. Attic ventilation gets blamed for a lot of problems that often are not caused by ventilation but rather deeper issues. This yields a total area of 1 104 square feet. It s believed that good ventilation in the attic will help prolong the life of shingles by reducing heat which maintains the shingles quality and durability.

To avoid rotting wood clumping insulation and mold your attic needs to be properly ventilated. Attic ventilation does not cool your attic substantially nor does attic temperature really matter if the house is fixed from a home performance standpoint. The result is a cooler attic space with plenty of air exchange. In the winter warm moist air seeps into the attic from the living space below.

Good ventilation allows the heat and moisture to escape. Moreover if you have asphalt shingles on the roof attic. How to check attic ventilation. You may notice a theme here.

More attic ventilation is good just like properly sizing your furnace and air conditioning unit you want precisely the right amount of attic ventilation for your home. Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents. Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves allow cool. Insufficient ventilation can lead to moisture problems during the winter and decreased energy efficiency during the summer but too much ventilation can be just as bad if not worse.

Attic fans perform this ventilation by pushing hot air out into the environment while also pulling fresh cool air into the attic. The smoke test can give you a good idea of your home s existing attic ventilation but it may take a professional roofing contractor to determine if the amount is sufficient or excessive. It can provide clues to serious problems that might not be disclosed or even known by the current owner. Good places to check include windows doors and around cable phone or internet lines that run through walls.

Jones has an attic space that measures 23 feet by 48 feet. You can also contact your local municipality to check on building code in your area.