Make Sure to Have Proper Attic Ventilation
Your attic and roof are complicated systems that require proper ventilation in order to avoid moisture issues. Instilling proper attic ventilation will allow for proper conditions to be met inside your attic without incurring the need for repairs or replacement of comprised materials. Depending on the type of roofing system you have, some types of attic ventilation may be more recommended than others. It’s best to have your roof inspected or taken care of by a qualified roofing company in order to see what type of attic ventilation will be right for your property. If you have any questions be sure to contact your local roofers, until then, here is some general information regarding attic ventilation that may prove useful.
Why have attic ventilation?
How attic ventilation works is by maintaining cold roof temperatures throughout the year and venting out moisture that moves from the conditioned space of the attic. Attic ventilation will act to bypass the vapor barrier that most roof membranes will create. In the winter, attic ventilation and proper insulation can control ice dams by allowing snow to melt evenly on the roof instead of building up in certain areas from uneven roof temperatures. In the summer temperatures won’t raise in such high amounts as it can be prone to in that season when condensation and heavy moisture are in the air.
What happens if a roof is not vented?
Poor or non-existent roof ventilation will cause attic temperatures to rise 150 degrees or higher in the summer which can lead to the buildup of mildew, mold, and condensation on various roofing materials such as shingles and supportive wooden beams. In short, improper attic ventilation can cause roofing deterioration from excessive moisture. With this, the entire roofing system can be compromised from the supportive beams, decking, underlayment, and shingles.
What is net free attic venting?
Net free attic ventilation products are typically rated with a Net Free Area (NFA.) The net free area is the open area on ventilation that exists in order for air to pass through. For every 150 square feet of attic floor space, 1 square foot of NFA is required to instill ventilation.
How much attic ventilation is needed?
According to the US Federal Housing Authority, at least a minimum of 1 square foot of attic ventilation that’s split evenly between the exhaust and intake is required for every 300 square feet of attic floor space.
How do you insulate and vent an attic?
Attic ventilation can involve placing rafter vents on the ceiling in between the rafters and the points where the attic ceiling meets the floor. After these are set in place you can incorporate the blankets or batts, or blow insulation to the edge of the attic floor.
Are gable vents intake or exhaust?
Gable vents will be installed in the gabled ends at the opposite sides of the attic. They work most effectively when the vents are aligned with any winds that will come through. When the wind blows perpendicular to the vents than they will act as both intake and exhaust.
What is the best type of attic ventilation?
The most effective attic ventilation will use a ridge and soffit continuous ventilation system and these designs will vary from roof to roof. What’s more, the best type of attic ventilation will vary from roof to roof. Static roofline vents are effective for ventilation but may not be recommended due to leak problems. Soffit vents, in turn, may leave air trapped at the top of your attic. Get in touch with a professional roofer who can gauge the best type of attic ventilation system for you based on your property’s specifications.
How do you tell if your attic is properly ventilated?
- Ventilation should be on the roof or in the eaves.
- For low-profile continuous roofs, a ridge should be present along the peak of the roof.
- Gables should have louvered openings at the top of the gables.
- Touch your ceiling in the summer, if it’s hot the attic is not venting well.
- With condensation on rafters or roof sheathing, this means the air is too warm with venting issues.
- In winter, thick ridges of ice on eaves or ice dams show poor attic ventilation.
- Dampness or frost in your attic is a bad sign in the winter as well.
Contact Your Local Roofing Company For Assistance
If you’re in need of proper attic ventilation for your home get into contact with your local roofing company and schedule an appointment for a roof inspection. You’ll be able to have your roof checked for proper attic ventilation as well as any damages incurred to your roofing materials from improper ventilation. It’s essential to have proper attic ventilation as changing seasons mean changing temperatures and moisture levels which will greatly impact the roof both inside and out. Avoid the cost of repairs and replacements by making sure that your attic is well insulated and ventilated from the get-go. You’ll even be saving on monthly energy bills as stable building temperatures mean less energy is being wasted and therefore less money is being spent. Proper attic ventilation will save you on time, worries, and money so reach out to your local roofers today.
If you’d like assistance with effective attic ventilation in Fort Worth, TX call 817-781-8781 with ACT Home Energy Specialists!
