Having a properly ventilated attic will help to regulate the temperature of your home and reduce the risk of moisture building up. When moisture builds up in the attic, it can cause mold and mildew to grow and may damage your roof. A properly ventilated attic will also help to reduce the chances of ice damming in the winter and condensation in the summer. Properly ventilated attics can also help to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
The amount of ventilation needed depends on the size of your attic, the amount of insulation used and the climate of your home. A general rule of thumb is one vent for every 150 square feet of attic space. If you have a vapor barrier in your attic, you can cut the amount of venting needed in half. If you aren’t sure how much ventilation your attic needs, consult a roofing professional.
Intake vents are installed near the bottom of the roof, while exhaust vents are installed near the peak of the roof. Both types of vents are used to bring in cool air from outside and force hot air out of the attic. For best results, you should install at least one intake vent for every 300 square feet of attic space, and one exhaust vent for every 150 square feet.
If your attic is not vented, there are several signs you need to look for to determine if it is properly ventilated. If you see black streaks or moss growth, there may be too much moisture in the attic. Also, if the attic has been poorly ventilated in the past, you may notice a buildup of mildew. It is important to regularly check your attic vents to ensure they are in good working condition.
You may also want to install a radiant barrier to improve ventilation. This can be stapled onto rafters and can be very effective at improving ventilation. It can also help to increase insulation.
You will also want to seal your attic floor. This Do All Attics Need Vents? includes sealing seams and vents. Ideally, you will want to install a fan in the attic to circulate air. You may also want to install lights to help maintain a bright and airy atmosphere. If you have recessed lights in your attic, you should install loose fill insulation at least three inches away from them. You should also install sheet metal to create barriers around the openings in the attic floor.
You may also want to consider adding insulation to the attic to increase the energy efficiency of your home. This will prevent heat from building up under your attic, thereby helping to keep your attic cool in the summer and warm in the winter. You should also lay insulation from the perimeter toward the attic opening, so as to prevent heat from escaping through the frame of the attic.
If you have an attic that doesn’t have vents, you may want to consider installing gable vents. Gable vents are often used for attics that don’t have soffit vents. Gable vents are typically located on the ends of the attic. Depending on the climate in your area, you may also want to install ridge vents. Ridge vents are great for air circulation and can be set to run within a preset temperature range. However, you may want to hire a professional to install ridge vents in your attic.