attic ventilation requirements
Attic Ventilation Requirements
Proper attic ventilation is a must to ensure adequate airflow in the house, as well as to minimize utility bills. Read on to know more about attic ventilation requirements.
- Heat: Density of hot air is less, and hence, it has a tendency to move upwards. Due to lack of attic insulation, the air gets trapped there. This hot air then moves to your living space and heats up your entire home. During summer, the temperature of attic is about 155-160°F, whereas the outdoor temperature is only around 105°F. The air conditioning system works according to the difference in interior and exterior temperature. Thus, a difference of about 50°F puts a substantial load on your air conditioner. As a result, it draws more power to keep working and maintain optimum temperature in the house. Hence, it is a must to have vents located as high as possible in the attic so that exchange of air takes place, and attic does not get heated up.
- Moisture: Trapped moisture can play havoc with your insulation and roof. During winter, in the absence of proper ventilation, the air condenses and moisture gets trapped inside the attic, which may creep into the insulation and soak it. Wet insulation is completely useless and serves no purpose. Trapped moisture also finds its way inside the wall, and causes the paint to bubble, peel, and crack. It also causes tremendous damage to roof, and reduces its life by several years. It also promotes mold and mildew growth, and can inflict lasting damage upon your entire structure.
- Rain and Snow: If you have improper vents in your attic, you would be inviting rain and snow right inside your house. Improperly designed vents do not pull in sufficient air, and as a result, a reverse effect is demonstrated by pulling in of rain and snow during storms. A properly ventilated attic pushes out rain and snow, and protects your home.