A well ventilated attic will offer your home protection in both the cold and warm seasons. During the winter, it protects your roof by keeping it cooler, thus preventing ice dams from forming. In hot weather it extends the life of shingles by keeping the roof cool and also reduces cooling costs. Additionally, because a properly ventilated attic reduces moisture buildup, it prevents rot and mildew growth on the roof’s framing and sheathing.
The Way Attic Ventilation Works
At its most basic level, attic ventilation works by using two different kinds of vents which take advantage of the fact that heated air rises. Passive ventilation uses intake vents on the lower parts of the roof to take in cooler air and hot air exhaust vents at the peak of the roof to make certain that an attic is getting properly ventilated without having to use mechanical exhaust fans.
How to Know If You Need Better Attic Insulation
One of the most important parts of using passive ventilation is making certain that your roof has adequate vents to provide enough ventilation. Some classic signs that your attic is not properly ventilated are symptoms of moisture buildup, such as blackened or damp wood. Rusted nails and matted insulation can also be signs of moisture buildup. Frost on the inside of the roof from when warm moist air gets trapped against the cold roof and condenses then freezes is another sign of a poorly ventilated attic, as are ice dams.
Steps to Improve Attic Ventilation
If you do find your attic ventilation to be inadequate, then you the first thing to do is to make certain that all the vents are properly working. It’s possible some can be blocked by insulation or even improperly drilled plywood. Also make certain that warm air has a clear path from which to exit the attic. Once you have determined that all of the vents in the attic are working, then it is time to install additional vents until you have adequate ventilation. Soffit vents have a relatively easy process of installation, as do rectangular roofing vents.
Why Blown In Attic Insulation Is So Important to Attic Ventilation
Just adequately ventilating your attic is not enough on its own. With the wrong kind of insulation, vents can become blocked. Additionally, in order to maximize the benefits of a well-ventilated attic it’s critical that all gaps and piping is properly insulated, making certain that cool air stays in in the summer and the warm air can’t escape in the winter. Blown in attic insulation is an ideal choice because it perfectly conforms to all spaces, no matter how small or awkward, without causing blockages in vents.
Ainger Group Roofing and Exteriors Can Help
Whether you need help installing new vents or have questions about blown in attic insulation, at Ainger Roofing and Exteriors we have the knowledge and expertise to help. Don’t hesitate to give us a call.
