Attic Ventilation Requirements
Before you can understand attic ventilation requirements, it’s necessary to learn why attic ventilation is so important. Ventilation is the foundation of a healthy, long-lasting, energy-efficient attic. Didn’t know it played such a vital role in your home? Here’s why it’s a must-have component of any home.
The Role of Ventilation
Ventilation in your attic performs a few critical tasks. Namely, it creates a flow of air through the attic space. There are several reasons that this is important:
- It ushers moisture out of the attic. Moisture can damage the wood structure and insulation.
- It reduces ceiling temperatures in the living spaces, which would otherwise spike cooling costs.
- It reduces temperatures at the attic ceiling, which would otherwise damage roof shingles.
Without a flow of air in the space, air would stagnate and give very hot air and moisture no way to escape the attic. Moisture would cause insidious problems, and lead to mold growth that could damage the home and decrease indoor air quality. Higher temperatures also decrease the life span of roof shingles. In fact, many shingle manufacturers require attic ventilation.
How to Choose Ventilation
Now that you know how important it is to ventilate the attic, the next question to ask is, “What’s the best ventilation system?” Generally speaking, the ideal ventilation system involves ridge and soffit vents strategically installed in the attic. Air enters the attic through soffit vents, and air exits the attic through ridge vents.
Studies show that in hot, humid climates, ridge-soffit ventilation decreases attic temperatures and controls moisture. It offers homeowners a way to manage soaring temperatures and humid conditions.
How the Ventilation System Works & Attic Ventilation Requirements
Essentially, vents help to facilitate passive attic ventilation. They use the natural breeze and air buoyancy to drive ventilation. In order to take advantage of the stack effect (the principle that hot air rises), a ridge vent is installed at the peak of the roof to allow hot air and moisture a way to exit the attic. Meanwhile, soffit vents installed underneath the eaves let a breeze into the attic, creating a flow of air.
While it may seem counterintuitive to allow what feels like hot outside air into the attic in order to cool it, the outside air is generally tens of degrees cooler than the temperature inside the attic where heat buildup is significant.
For a healthy attic space, consider adding ventilation in your attic. At the least, have a professional come to your home and assess the attic’s condition. The expert should look for evidence of mold, wood rot and structural damage. The expert will also assess the condition of roof shingles and determine if the existing system is effective. Then, you can work together to identify the best system for ventilating your attic.
The experts at Reliable Heating & Air are happy to help people in Metro Atlanta with their attic ventilation requirements, heating and cooling solutions, plumbing, home performance and indoor air quality services.