Attic Ventilation - Thoughts About Roof Vents

Home Maintenance • Repair • Home Maintenance Checklist

Once thought to be one of the most important aspects of most home roofing systems, research shows that roof ventilation may not be as important as originally thought.

In the winter, air is very dry to begin with and in the summer roof colour affect attic temperatures more than anything else.

Research has shown that two identical attics, one properly vented roof and one unvented roof, actually have very much the same humidity. In fact, computer models have shown that attics in damp coastal climates may actually be drier with less ventilation.

Attic ventilation is driven primarily by wind, and building codes do require attic ventilation. The requirement for attic ventilation in most places is usually about 1:300 (one square foot of vent area for every 300 square feet of attic floor area). You can ensure proper ventilation by having openings at the soffits and then again higher on the roof, generally along the ridge, at gable end, or high on the roof. Also remember to screen your vents to keep any insects or small animals. When using soffit vents, make sure to maintain a space between the roof and the insulation so that air can properly pass through the attic space.

Poll

Where do you spend most of you home maintenance time?

	Garden
	General Household -- squeaky doors, lightbulbs...
	Mechanical Systems - heating and air conditioners...
	Home Exterior - caulking, paint, roof...
	Home Interior - painting...
	Plumbing
	Other