A balanced attic ventilation system is important for many comfort and cost reasons. What does “balanced” mean in this case? It refers to a system that combines the right amount of insulation with proper roof ventilation to create a circulating airflow. This improves the energy efficiency of your HVAC system, making it easier to keep a consistent temperature. Proper ventilation also increases the structural longevity of your roof and attic space by reducing condensation and uneven temperatures.
An improperly designed or installed ventilation system strains your home’s HVAC as it has to be running constantly to maintain a stable temperature. Condensation also forms from this imbalance and it can lead to toxic mold growth when left unchecked. Not only is this moisture dangerous to a person’s health, but it can also damage the roof sheathing over time and can lead to thousands of dollars in replacement costs. The rising costs in plywood alone have increased over 252% YTD so far in 2021.
How Attic Ventilation Works
Attic ventilation harnesses the natural movement of air by taking advantage of both the thermal effect (warm air’s tendency to rise) and the differing pressures caused by wind. This is done through the placement of intake vents and exhaust vents.
Your home’s cost of maintenance is determined by its ability to contend with the challenges of hot and cold weather. Let’s take a closer look at what a properly designed and installed system means for your home in both cold and hot weather.
Cold Weather
The number one concern during winter months is condensation. In an imbalanced system, heated air from inside your home rises and meets with the cold stagnant air in your attic. This creates condensation.
Condensation is concerning because it causes mold, unsightly water stains, paint damage, and it can even cause structural damage from wood rot.
The other costly issue during winter months is the formation of ice dams. They’re caused by warm air accumulating near the peak of your roof, while lower sections of your roof remain cold. After a heavy snowfall, the snow near the peak will melt and make its way to the lower section where it then refreezes as ice. This dam continues to grow as more melt flows down the roof, eventually trapping water behind it that can leak inside.
An updated and balanced ventilation system makes ice dams a non-issue. Proper attic ventilation creates a “cold roof” in which your roof’s entire surface is uniformly cold, preventing the formation of an ice dam.
There are 3 steps to complete protection from ice dams – adequate ventilation, proper insulation, and waterproofing.
Adequate Attic Ventilation
A proper attic ventilation system will supply uniform airflow along the entire underside of your roof deck, ensuring an equalized roof temperature. Ridge vents are one of the most cost effective and high-performance solutions to evenly distribute the layout of your intake vents.
Proper Insulation
Having the right level of attic insulation reduces heat loss from your home. Installing adequate amounts of insulation around electrical fixtures, wiring, and plumbing cases is critical as they’re major sources of heat loss.
Waterproofing
Even a flawlessly designed system may not be enough to eliminate all ice dams. Waterproofing your roof with an ice and water shield can eliminate the possibility of moisture leaking into your living space.
Warm Weather
Preventing radiant heat from building up and migrating from your roof to your attic, and from your attic to your living space is crucial for your home’s comfort and keeping your utility costs low. The solution is two-fold: maintaining sufficient airflow and installing adequate insulation.
Maintaining Airflow
Intake and exhaust of air must be constant and adhere to the 1/300 net free ventilation rule. This means for every 300 square feet of enclosed attic space, 1 square foot of ventilation via an exhaust vent is required. To calculate exactly how many intakes and exhaust vents your attic needs, plug the dimensions of your attic into a ventilation calculator.
Having a sufficient number of carefully installed, unobstructed vents will maintain enough airflow to move warm air out of your attic before it can radiate down into your home.
Adequate Insulation
Your roof’s insulation doesn’t just keep you warm in the winter. It also keeps your cool in the warmer months. The right amount of insulation reduces the radiant heat making its way down into your home. If your insulation is level or below your floor joists (the wood 2 x 4’s that you walk on to move around the attic) then you don’t have enough. The right amount of insulation for your home will vary depending on the size of your attic and the type of insulation you install, but generally, your insulation should total 14-15 inches thick.
Are You Too Cold or Too Hot?
A skilled roofer can help you avoid a lot of the problems associated with improper attic ventilation. Herndon, VA based St. Joseph’s Roofing offers professional roof installation and home improvement services throughout the Washington DC Meto area. Click the following hyperlink to view a detailed PowerPoint presentation on The Principals of Attic Ventilation.
Contact us today for a free service estimate for your attic ventilation needs.
