Attic Ventilation

Attic ventilation is critical for preventing mold and mildew in the attic. If there is inadequate ventilation, moisture that moves through the ceiling will become trapped in the attic.

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 ventilation into the design of the home.

One method of insuring proper ventilation is to include cold-side venting into the attic. Cold side venting includes 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.

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 system is that no wind or powered fans are required.

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, many of them need to be installed on a roof.

Alternatively there are roof turbine vents that include a 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, however the windows need to be opened and closed regularly. There are also power attic fans that can be installed for drawing hot moist air out of the attic.

Another important component of ventilation is the proper installation of attic insulation. It is essential that the rafter channels are not obstructed with insulation so that air cannot flow properly from the 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 draw into the attic.

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