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.

Attic air flow.

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. 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. For the same reason insulation shouldn t touch the roof s underside. Baffles are available at home centers.

The airflow from the soffits to the ridge vent keeps the roof cool and prevents ice dams and the material will block that flow. Proper air circulation through the attic space helps lower cooling bills and prolongs the life of roofing materials. The most common mistake homeowners make when installing insulation is to block the flow of air at the eaves. Before we explore how to ventilate an attic space it is prudent to understand how much ventilation is needed.

Most building codes require a ratio of 1 150 ventilation space to attic floor space. Ventilation can be accomplished using various products and techniques. Static roof line vents are effective for ventilation but generally aren t recommended due to issues with leaks. Soffit vents may leave air trapped at the top of your attic.

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. 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. The insulation will resist heat transfer into the house.

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. The solution is to add baffles which allow air to flow past the insulation photo 9. Since 1996 attic air has earned a reputation for providing effective solutions for your insulation and ventilation needs. Gable vents may circulate air through only a small percentage of your attic.

Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under. Ventilation of attic spaces is required by most building codes as well as by roofing material manufacturers and the national roofing contractors association nrca. Make sure there is air flow from the eaves. 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.