Properly venting your attic is more important than you may think! Roof ventilation reduces cooling bills, extends the life of your shingles, and even prevents ice dams in the winter.
You can tell if your attic needs better ventilation if it is a lot warmer than the rest of your home. This temperature difference can keep your air conditioning unit working on overload all summer long, burning a hole in your wallet.
Here are a few tips and tricks for improving your attic’s ventilation.
Improve your Attic’s Ventilation
What about Attic Vent Fan Ventilation?
Attic vent fans are intended to cool hot attics by drawing in cooler outside air from attic vents and pushing hot air to the outside. If your attic has blocked soffit vents and is not well sealed from the rest of the house, attic fans will suck cool conditioned air up out of the house and into the attic. In return, your air conditioning unit will work extra hard, increasing your cooling bill.
Make sure you purchase an attic vent fan that is the right size for your attic and will move enough air to be effective. If you have a larger attic, you may even require two fans.
How do I Seal and Insulate?
Sealing and insulating is essential to keeping your unfinished attic well ventilated. To get started on the job, you’ll want to purchase fiberglass rolls. If you have any type of insulation between the rafters, install the second layer over and perpendicular to the first. Avoid laying insulation over recessed light fixtures or soffit vents. Keep all insulation at least 3 inches away from “can” lights.
What are other options for ensuring proper roof ventilation?
There are many other options for ensuring proper roof ventilation. Gable vents are installed in the gable ends of the home or building. They are normally louvered vents that allow air to be drawn out of the attic space but prevent moisture from rain and snow from blowing back in the home.
A ridge vent can also be used. This type of vent is a ventilation strip that is placed along the ridgeline of the home.
Other attic ventilation tips and tricks:
• Attics should be insulated to R-38, which is about eighteen inches of insulation material
• By installing a thermometer in your attic, you can remotely tell the area’s temperature and monitor the situation on an ongoing basis.
These tips and tricks should ensure your attic is well ventilated, keeping your cooling costs down and preventing serious ice dams from occurring.
