Attic Air Flow

Static roof line vents are effective for ventilation but generally aren t recommended due to issues with leaks.

Attic air flow.

Cool air in hot air out attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents. For the same reason insulation shouldn t touch the roof s underside. The insulation will resist heat transfer into the house. The airflow from the soffits to the ridge vent keeps the roof cool and prevents ice dams and the material will block that flow.

Soffit vents allow outside air to enter the attic while vents along the peak of. In the summer natural air flow in a well vented attic moves super heated air out of the attic protecting roof shingles and removing moisture. Most building codes require a ratio of 1 150 ventilation space to attic floor space. If your attic is well insulated the insulation might be plugging the spaces between rafters just above exterior walls.

Before we explore how to ventilate an attic space it is prudent to understand how much ventilation is needed. Attic air is an insulation company that specializes in evaluating your home to ensure that it is properly ventilated and insulated and the evaluation is free. If the soffit of your home isn t perforated to allow air movement either replace it with perforated soffit or install round air vents under the eaves to allow air flow. Since 1996 attic air has earned a reputation for providing effective solutions for your insulation and ventilation needs.

Baffles are available at home centers. Staple plastic or foam baffles to the roof sheathing near the eaves to keep the material away. This is normally the point where air enters your attic. The most common mistake homeowners make when installing insulation is to block the flow of air at the eaves.

That means air can t flow from the soffit vents to the roof vents. Proper air circulation through the attic space helps lower cooling bills and prolongs the life of roofing materials. Soffit vents may leave air trapped at the top of your attic. The solution is to add baffles which allow air to flow past the insulation photo 9.

Ventilation can be accomplished using various products and techniques. Proper attic ventilation consists of a balance between air intake at your eaves soffits or fascias and air exhaust at or near your roof ridge. Gable vents may circulate air through only a small percentage of your attic. Federal housing authority recommends a minimum of at least 1 square foot of attic ventilation evenly split between intake and exhaust for every 300 square feet of attic floor space.