If you are finding that your energy bill is running high or you are noticing your roof aging prematurely, you may have poor attic ventilation. Proper attic ventilation is essential for maintaining lower energy costs, keeping your shingles and overall roof healthy, and avoiding dangerous build-up of ice on the eaves of your home.
If your attic ventilation is poor, it could be the result of different issues, such as a lack of vents, dirty vents, or vents installed in poor locations. Here are the steps on how to improve your attic’s ventilation:
1. Determine the Efficiency of Your Current Ventilation
The first step you can take in improving your attic’s ventilation is performing a thorough inspection to get an idea of where your ventilation efficiency is currently at. Begin your inspection by examining the eaves of your roof. You should be able to see vents already installed in the soffits. If you do not see them, then it is highly possible that your attic does not have any vents installed. If this is the case, you will want to call a roofing professional to help you install them. Without proper vents, your attic is a heat trap, leaving your home warmer and your shingles in trouble.
If you notice any water build-up or staining on the soffits, this is a sign that the vents are dirty or clogged, resulting in the heat getting trapped. Trapped heat creates moisture, which harms the integrity of your soffits over time.
Once you have completed the outdoor inspection, you will want to move indoors and inspect your ceiling. Touching the ceiling where the attic is located above can tell you a lot about your attic’s ventilation efficiency. If it is hot to the touch, it means that there is an excess of heat trapped, forcing it to radiate down through your home. This forces your air conditioning to work harder, as it has to compete with the heat in your attic.
Finally, take a flashlight and examine the inside of your attic. If you notice any of your possessions, walls, or even the ceiling has mildew or moisture, you can be sure that your attic is not allowing air to pass smoothly through.
2. Install Vents
If you found out during step one that your attic does not already have vents installed, you will want to get them installed first. For the best results, you will want to place the vents near the roof’s peak and on the soffits near the eaves of your roof. This will help create a steady stream of air inside your attic. This stream will ensure that the hot air is pushed out through the roof vents instead of it just sitting and radiating down through your home. Having vents set up in these locations will help you keep your home cooler and prevent moisture from harming the structure of your attic or your possessions.
How Many Vents Do I Need?
The number of attic vents you install should be based on the size of your attic. In order to determine the size of your attic, you will need to do a bit of math. Multiply the length of your attic by the width, which will equal the overall area.
For example, if you have an attic that is 20ft in length and 30 ft in width, the area would be 600 sq ft. Once you know the size of your attic, you can then plan on installing one vent for every 150 sq ft. of the attic.
3. Free Your Vents of Debris
It is essential to perform an inspection and cleaning of your attic vents at least once a year. To do this simple task, take a warm washcloth and pass it over the vent grates to remove any built-up dirt or debris. By removing these obstructions, you will help open up the airways and allow the hot air to escape and the cooler air to come in.
Also, as a rule of thumb, never place large furniture or a stack of boxes in front of your vents. Blocking the vents causes the airflow to become restricted or completely cut off, resulting in poor ventilation.
If you are looking to install new vents in your attic or have a roof that is in need of repairs, do not hesitate to contact the experts at Acme Roofing. Our dedicated team of roofers has years of experience and knowledge under their belt and will help you create the most energy-efficient roofing and attic system for your home. Our work isn’t just about practicality, but it also looks great as well. We have built a strong reputation with our clients, and we would love to be able to work for you. Contact us today for a consultation.