Checking Attic For Good Ventilation

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.

Checking attic for good ventilation.

Attic ventilation does not cool your attic substantially nor does attic temperature really matter if the house is fixed from a home performance standpoint. 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. In the summer good attic ventilation reduces heat buildup. Jones has an attic space that measures 23 feet by 48 feet.

Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents. This yields a total area of 1 104 square feet. Heat in the attic can roast shingles from below causing them to wear prematurely. Another important element of attic ventilation is protection for the roof s shingle.

Attic ventilation gets blamed for a lot of problems that often are not caused by ventilation but rather deeper issues. 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. Moreover if you have asphalt shingles on the roof attic. How to determine whether you need better attic ventilation.

Attic fans perform this ventilation by pushing hot air out into the environment while also pulling fresh cool air into the attic. 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. The result is a cooler attic space with plenty of air exchange. You may notice a theme here.

You can also contact your local municipality to check on building code in your area. Most building codes require a ratio of 1 150 ventilation space to attic floor space. 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. Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves allow cool.

How to check attic ventilation. It can provide clues to serious problems that might not be disclosed or even known by the current owner. An attic reflects the history of a home. Good ventilation allows the heat and moisture to escape.

Good places to check include windows doors and around cable phone or internet lines that run through walls. In the winter warm moist air seeps into the attic from the living space below.