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Attic ventilation control is
critical for preventing mold and mildew growth in the attic. It is important
to make sure air can flow freely in the attic. If there is inadequate attic
ventilation control, moisture that moves through the ceiling will become
trapped in the attic. Fortunately and unfortunately roofing materials do not
allow the transfer of moisture between the attic and the outside.
Consequently, when framing and shingling a roof, it is essential to
incorporate adequate attic ventilation control in the design of the home.
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One method of attic ventilation
control is to include cold-side venting into the attic. Cold side venting
effectively involves including soffit vents and ridge vents, and/or gable vents
in the attic so that any build up of vapor pressure, or moisture is transferred
from the attic to the outside.
Installing soffit vents distributed evenly along the roof eaves and a ridge vent
along the peak of the roof is the best way for controlling ventilation moisture.
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As the attic air warms it lifts
upwards and escapes out the ridge vent, and in the process, pulls in cooler
drier air from the soffit vents. The beauty of this type of attic
ventilation control system is that no wind or powered fans are required.
For sufficient attic ventilation
control one square foot of ventilation should be provided for every 150
square feet of attic area. In addition to soffit and ridge vents you can
also use gable, roof and turbine vents. Gable vents are placed near the top
of the gable ends of the roof. Roof vents are installed on the roof.
Typically when using roof vents for attic ventilation control, many of them
need to be installed on a roof.
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fan mechanism in them. As wind blows across the turbine, they draw hot and
moist attic air out of the attic.
Installing windows in the attic is another solution for providing attic
ventilation control, however the windows need to be opened and closed
regularly to prevent the threat of rain water damage in the attic. There are
also power attic fan vent systems that can be installed in the attic for drawing
hot moist air out of the attic. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
Another important component of attic ventilation control is the proper
installation of attic insulation. It is essential that when installing attic
insulation that the rafter channels are not obstructed with insulation so that
air cannot flow properly from the soffit vents in the attic eaves up into the
attic. If insulation is jammed into the attic soffit areas, fresh cool air will
not be able to be drawn into the attic.
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Related Attic Information
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