How does attic ventilation work?

     Attic ventilation works by convection and consists of three key components (intake ventilation, exhaust ventilation, and baffles). As hot air naturally rises in your attic, it escapes through vents near the peak of your roof, thereby creating a negative pressure, drawing in cool fresh air through vents near the eaves, drying and cooling your roof. Most home owners are unaware improper ventilation can void the warranty on your roof. The roof can become so hot in the summer months you cannot hold your hand on it, baking the life out of your shingles. Proper ventilation is the roof's only means of cooling down.

      Proper ventilation includes exhaust vents releasing warm humid air high up in your roof and intake vents pulling air in at  your soffits (soffit vents). Exhaust vents include ridge vent, roof vents, and solar fans. Baffles are protective columns that are installed inside the attic along the roof boards down at the soffit. They protect the air flow from being hindered by insulation and debris and help channel the air up along the roof decks. 

     Soffit vents, baffles, solar fans, and exhaust vents work together to allow proper airflow in your attic. When installed correctly, fresh air is allowed to enter the attic, cooling and drying off roof boards, preserving the life of your roof, preventing moisture build up in the winter, and keeping your attic and home cool in the hot summer months. Our Attic Experts can inspect your attic’s current ventilation, assess any needs, and provide you with a detailed evaluation of how our attic ventilation services can improve your home’s ventilation system.

Why is adequate attic ventilation important?

     In the summer months, heat radiates on your roof negatively effect your attic which can reach temperatures up to 130 degrees or higher. At these temperatures your shingles will begin to buckle and curl. Without proper ventilation, heat can then radiate on the drywall and living spaces below can become unbearable. (Proper insulation and ventilation will keep your house cooler.)

     In the winter months, warm air rises into the attic from the heated living space and warms the roof deck, prematurely melting the snow. This water runs down the roof and freezes along the cooler outer edge. As this process continues, the ice builds up blocking the run off, and the water backs up under the shingles, creating significant damage and costly repairs. 

     Without proper ventilation, heat and humidity from your home can become trapped in your attic. Once it reaches the cooler attic air, it condenses. This moisture not only creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, it can ruin attic insulation and deteriorate the internal structure of your roof.

Signs of poor attic ventilation:

• Living space is unusually warm in the Summer months.

• An unexplained increase in your energy bills, which can occur from damaged insulation. 

• Excessive running of HVAC system leading to premature failure due to increased workload and wear

• Ice Dams forming along your roofline or obvious snowmelt on the upper portion of your roof

• Wavy or rippled appearance to your roof line and shingles caused from moisture damaged decking

• Rust or corrosion on metal materials in your attic such as nails, electrical boxes, etc

• Mold, mildew, or water stains on roof sheathing.

• An increase in allergy symptoms or respiratory illnesses which may be related to the spread of fungi spores from mold growth in your attic.

Gable Vents:

 To cover or not to cover? 

That is the question.

Attic ventilation works by convection. As hot air naturally rises in your attic, it escapes through vents near the peak of your roof, thereby creating a negative pressure, drawing in cool fresh air through vents near the eaves, drying and cooling your roof. if air is introduced through the gable vents, then you will never get the negative pressure in your attic. It is like trying to suck through a straw will a hole in it. Once the gable vents are closed the air has no choice but to be drawn through the soffit. Most shingle manufacturers will void the warranty on your roof if your gable vents are not closed off. The only exception is if your home does not have the option for intake or exhaust ventilation, then we recommend leaving the gable vents open. 

How can you increase your attic ventilation?

1. Increase the number of Soffit Vents

2. Install Baffles between every truss

3. Install a Solar Fan

4. Increase the number of vents on your roof

5.  Cover Gable Vents

EXPERIENCED AND PROFESSIONAL 

     Attic Experts have over 20+ years of experience in attic ventilation and insulation. We bring that knowledge and dedication to quality to every project we perform. We are a licensed and insured, family owned and operated business, servicing the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas. As a Consumers Energy Preferred Contractor and Certified Mold Remediator, you can count on us. Let us conduct a FREE thorough inspection and detailed evaluation of your attic. We’re the one to call for all your attic ventilation services! 

Our Attic Experts can inspect your attic’s current ventilation, assess any needs, and provide you with a detailed evaluation of how you can improve your home’s ventilation system.