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Attic Ventilation: Allow Natural Drafting
As seen in the most recent “Home Schooled,” with the weather getting warmer, many homeowners want to ensure their attic is properly ventilated. An attic that is not properly ventilated can allow the buildup of moisture. In turn, this can lead to the growth of fungi that needs to be remediated or mitigated. As such, ensuring your attic is properly ventilated is crucial not only as a homeowner, but as a prospective homebuyer.
An attic can be ventilated in a number of ways. First, is through the use of gable vents on the side of the house with a gable fan. Also, a ridge vent can be installed on the top of the roof to allow natural ventilation. Additionally, you can have a ridge vent with soffit vents by the gutters which allows cool air to come in through the soffit vents and hot air to be dispelled through the ridge vent. Finally, you could also have an attic fan or roof vents installed on the top of the roof. In short, there are a many options to ventilate your attic properly.
Typically, you want several items to work in conjunction with one another to prevent the buildup of moisture alluded to above. However, one thing you do not want is the installation of a ridge vent at the peak of your roof along with an attic fan. This will prevent the “natural drafting” you need to keep the attic properly ventilated as such measures almost work against each other. While it may work to some degree, it is not efficient.
As explained in the “Home Schooled” video, we find the use of a gable vent, ridge vent, and some soffit vents the best way to ventilate and/or draft your attic. With this being said, make sure the soffit vents are “clear.” In simple terms, you want to make sure the soffit vents at the eaves of your roof are not blocked by any insulation that would prevent them from ventilating properly. Make sure the installation is pulled back from the soffit vents and/or you are utilizing Styrofoam baffles. Again, this is to maximize the airflow coming into the attic.
Finally, be mindful of your attic thermostat. For homes that utilize an attic fan, you can set the temperature at which the attic fan will “kick in.” Typically, the thermostat for an attic fan is set between 90 and 100 degrees. Nevertheless, a good rule of thumb is to set the thermostat anywhere between 85 and 90 degrees. By utilizing these measures, you will ensure your attic is properly ventilated and potentially same you from costly repairs down the road.
Next week, please be sure to tune in to the next Tip at Ten in the next version of “Home Schooled.” Also, please continue to check this blog periodically for vital information about the home inspection process.