Attic Air Circulation

Before we explore how to ventilate an attic space it is prudent to understand how much ventilation is needed.

Attic air circulation.

Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents. One reason for the lack of agreement over attic ventilation is the tremendous variation in climate across north america. Some regions don t require a vapor barrier. At first it may seem odd to add insulation for warmth and then purposely allow cold air to.

Vents come in various styles. Grab a flashlight and inspect your attic during the winter. Hot air exhaust vents located at the peak of the roof allow hot air to escape. About attic ventilation natural attic ventilation.

Most building codes require a ratio of 1 150 ventilation space to attic floor space. Since 1996 attic air has earned a reputation for providing effective solutions for your insulation and ventilation needs. Attic ventilation is a year round strategy to help fight heat buildup in the warmer months and moisture buildup in the colder months. If you see dampness or frost you need better roof ventilation and some attic vents.

Gable vents may circulate air through only a small percentage of your attic. Make sure there is air flow from the eaves. Ventilation of attic spaces is required by most building codes as well as by roofing material manufacturers and the national roofing contractors association nrca. Ventilation can be accomplished using various products and techniques.

Air flows in through the soffit vents and out through the roof vents. Static roof line vents are effective for ventilation but generally aren t recommended due to issues with leaks. 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. Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves allow cool air to enter the attic.

Attic fans are intended to cool hot attics by drawing in cooler outside air from attic vents. Soffit vents may leave air trapped at the top of your attic. Rarely will you find a building practice that works everywhere. This is normally the point where air enters your attic.

Whether using loose fill or batts put the vapor barrier closest to the warm side of your installation where hot moist air would get in facing the house s interior in cold climates beneath floor insulation and the attic s interior in hot climates on top of floor insulation. For the best results place roof ventilation near the roof s peak and soffit vents in the eaves.