Attic Ventilation Service
Proper Attic Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation systems allow a continual flow of outside air through the attic, 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 U.S. 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 should be divided equally between intake and exhaust ventilation.
Benefits of Attic Ventilation
Most homes have some form of attic ventilation, whether it is a gable vent, soffit vents, or a ridge vent. The main purpose of attic ventilation is to remove the heat and moisture that can build up in the attic space. This is especially important in hot climates, where attics can reach temperatures of 150 degrees or more. Attic ventilation can also help to prevent ice dams from forming on the roof, by keeping the air in the attic space cold. In addition, attic ventilation can help to extend the life of the roof by preventing premature deterioration of the shingles. For these reasons, it is recommended that homes have at least 15 percent of their attic floor area open to ventilation.