Poor Attic Ventilation Can
Ruin Your Insulation,
Destroy Your Shingles, And Raise Your Energy Bills!
Why Take
Risks?
It is estimated that 9 out of 10 homes in North America do not have proper attic ventilation.
Why?
Because most people are unaware that attic ventilation can impact the longevity of their entire home!
For example, in
the summer, an improperly ventilated attic can cause heat to build in excess of 160°F.
This
superheated air eventually penetrates the ceiling insulation into the living area below.
Types of damage that can
result include:
• Premature aging of your roofing system (“fried” shingles)
• Warping, cracking,
or breaking down of wood framing
• Damage to siding, exterior or interior paint, and wallpaper
• Higher
energy costs
A properly ventilated attic can help reduce the load on your air conditioner
by
moving the superheated air out of your attic before it builds up and causes damage.
In the winter, various household
appliances, bathtubs, showers,
and cooking vapors can contribute to excess moisture
build-up.
Improperly ventilated attics will allow this moisture to collect and cling to
the underside of the roof.
There, it will condense and fall, soaking the
attic insulation and reducing its efficiency.
Additional structural damage can include:
• Roof deck warping
and rotting of the wood frame
• Mildew growth
• Buckling of shingles and felt
Finally, attics
should be properly ventilated to help prevent ice dams in cold northern climates.
During
the winter, ice and snow on a roof will melt and run down the deck to the cooler eaves.
This
run-off can re-freeze, creating an ice dam that will trap moisture on the roof.
The
moisture can eventually back up under the shingles and enter your home
causing
hundreds or thousands of dollars of damage to your ceilings and walls.
Adequate attic
ventilation will reduce the amount of initial melting that occurs on your roof,
thereby
reducing the chance that ice dams will form.
Proper
Attic Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation systems allow a continuous flow of outside air through the
attic (see illustration
at left), protecting the efficiency of the insulation and helping to lower temperatures in the
living space.
It consists of a balance between air intake (at your eaves or soffits) and air exhaust (at or near your
roof ridge).
The FHA (Federal Housing Administration) recommends a minimum
of
at least 1 square foot of attic ventilation (both intake and exhaust) for every 300 square feet of attic space.
For
example, if your attic is 900 square feet, you need a total of 3 square feet of ventilation.
This
amount is generally divided equally between intake
and exhaust ventilation (i.e.,
11/2 feet of each), to insure proper air flow through the attic.
Tip: Dont forget about EAVE VENTILATION.
Ridge
vents, vents, and fans do not function properly without eave ventilation.
Ask us about EDGE VENT which gives 9
sq inches of eave ventilation per ft.
West side
440-843-8987
East side 216-464-0480
TOLL-FREE.....
1-877-bhi-2fix
BARBERA HOME IMPROVEMENT
