Tips on How to Improve Attic Ventilation and Save Money

Attic ventilation sounds like a conundrum to many homeowners. Especially since they spent a bit ensuring the space has the proper insulation.

It’s important that the attic is always insulated. It goes a long way in reducing temperature fluctuations. A home that’s too hot or too cold will wreak havoc on the HVAC system. It also doesn’t bode well on your utility bills.

There’s a scientific explanation for the need to have adequate attic ventilation. A sealed attic will trap a lot of heat and moisture. This can lead to a host of issues, like shingles having a shorter lifespan. Too much heat is a problem all year round, not only during summer. Hot air coming from the attic can melt the snow on the roof during the day. But it will then freeze again once the temperature drops at night. This could create ice dams and cause roof damage.

Proper attic ventilation can ensure you won’t have to deal with leaks and other damages. Here’s what you should know on how to improve attic ventilation.

Your first step should be to determine if your attic needs ventilation. There are simple ways to assess your attic depending on the season.

If it’s summer, touch the ceiling with your hand. A warm ceiling is a sign there’s hot air in your attic. This can impact your home’s capacity to keep temperatures at a cool and comfortable level. It also means you might need more ventilation. Ice buildup isn’t a good sign.

One of the things contractors do to improve ventilation is to replace the attic’s insulation. But they will first check if the insulation is the reason for the poor ventilation. Insulation is also subject to normal wear and tear. It can also become damaged. This results in reduced effectiveness.

Good insulation improves the home’s ability to remain at a comfortable temperature. It also means lower heating and cooling bills. It can also protect the structure from water damage and other elements.

Adding roof vents is another effective way to increase ventilation in the attic. These vents are often placed on the peak of the roof. It’s the area where heat inside the attic will rise. Vents allow warm, moist air to leave the attic. This then lowers heat buildup and condensation.

The right kind of vent will also go a long way in improving attic ventilation. Homeowners can choose to install soffit or gable vents.

Soffit vents are planks that connect the roof overhang to the exterior wall. The vents create a gap that lets air into the attic. This increases the airflow and improves ventilation. Many homeowners opt for soffit vents installation because they’re affordable and effective.

Gable vents are another good option for improving ventilation. These vents are then installed on the exterior walls. They can also push out the air from the attic to allow for proper airflow. They can also regulate the home’s temperatures.