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Most people rarely spend time in their attic, but this does not mean that proper ventilation is not a must. In fact, lack of adequate ventilation can lead to numerous issues because it supports the roof and can impact the entire structure of your home. Here is why it is so important and how to do it properly!
1. Why Is Attic Ventilation Important?
Attic ventilation refers to adequate airflow in the attic, aiming to decrease the temperature differences between the inside and outdoor air. Proper ventilation has numerous benefits, including reducing excess moisture that does not only lower the chance of growing mold but also prolongs the life of the roofing materials by decreasing the chance of wood rot. By efficiently lowering the temperature, attic ventilation helps to reduce ice damming, it can save money related to air-conditioning during summer and related to heating during winter because the attic will have a more stable temperature.
2. Install Ridge And Soffit Vents
There are several ways of ventilating your attic. You can install ridge and soffit vents on the roofline and under the eaves, respectively, as depicted in the photo above. These will ensure passive ventilation throughout the entire structure of the roof.
3. Install Fan-Powered Roof Vents
A second method involves installing fan-powered roof vents, such as these models. In other words, an electrical fan speeds up the circulation of air in your attic, and, depending on the model, you can choose a manual fan or an automatic model that turns itself on when the temperature reaches a certain point.
You may also install an exhaust fan in the gable. As it blows the hot air outside of your attic, the exhaust fan takes additional air from outside to replace it.
4. Install a Solar Fan
Finally, if you want an environmentally-friendly option, you can choose a solar fan that does not need electricity to run. It is usually installed on top of your house and is connected to your attic. It both decreases the humidity levels and temperature while being very affordable and saving you money in the long run. The Amtrak Solar Fan is a great model and it is budget-friendly, too.
5. Balance is Important
Most people use the static method to ventilate their attics. In other words, warm air tends to rise, known as convection, so airflow is ensured naturally. For example, colder outside air enters the attic through the vents positioned at the bottom, it warms up inside the attic and it rises, exiting through vents installed at the top. To be balanced, you need to place the same amount of ventilation at the bottom and top of your attic.
The mechanical method uses power vents or other similar means to improve the airflow. As discussed above, a balanced amount of air intake is required to achieve proper ventilation.
These methods ensure that the hot and humid air in your attic is removed, keeping your home cool during summer and warmer during winter. This is important because the hotter air in your home rises to the attic and, if it cannot escape, it can cause severe damage.
