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Everyone always says that all the heat in the attic is causing their air conditioner to constantly run. One way of minimizing attic heat is by installing proper attic ventilation.
Gable Vents
Gable vents are located at the peak of your exterior walls on each end of your home. Gable vents are common on older homes before ridge vents and roof vents were invented. They allow air to escape through them allowing a path for heat to get out of the attic. The problem is that there is very little air movement in the middle of the attic and the attic space is only partially relieved.
Also it is a bit small in size when compared to normal attics and therefore ventilation is also limited but tends to cover up the required area so people don’t think of Gable vents as a worthy option and people would prefer something like HVAC San Diego.
Soffit Vents
The soffit is the part of the house that creates an overhang around the house. This creates a path for air to enter around the edge and push up into the attic to allow for proper air movement. Through the attic and out roof vents, ridge vents, or gable vents. Soffit ventilation is the most effective way to move are into your attic. If you have old wooden soffits that are not vented, you can drill 1″-2″ holes and stick miniature vents in between each rafter bay. You will then have to install ventilation chutes into the attic to make sure the air can get into the attic and doesn’t go into the wall instead. This is called wind washing and is responsible for many condensation issues.
Roof Vents
Roof vents are installed on the surface of the roof and allow air to escape directly from the attic. This is one of the best methods of ventilation available today. They are fairly easy to install and, properly installed will last a lifetime. The only downfall is that wind can direct rain and snow into your attic with certain styles of roof vents.
Ridge Vents
This is the most popular method of attic ventilation because of it’s easy installation. Ridge vents come in roll out form or 4′ sections that you nail into place with regular roofing nails and cover with cap shingles. It allows the most consistent ventilation of attics because it is installed the entire length of the peak of the roof. It is also the most attractive as it is covered by cap shingles tying it seamlessly into the rest of the roof.
Ventilation In General
Proper attic ventilation is important for the health of the home and, most importantly, for your pocket book. Please note that for proper attic ventilation, more than one ventilation source should be used. For example, soffit ventilation coupled with any roof ventilation will carry excess heat out of the attic. Inversely, any excess moisture during winter months will be carried out of the attic and prevent mold and wood rot.
