Many homes become too warm in the summer, and, yet, too cold in the winter. Luckily, there is something you can do besides having your HVAC unit working overtime. A well-ventilated attic will help keep your home hold an ideal temperature year-round.
Maintaining the right temperature inside
It’s important to understand that your attic needs ventilation. Without it, it will trap in heat. In the summer months, this trapped heat will increase the overall temperature of your entire home. In the winter, this space functions like a giant freezer, trapping cold air and making it more difficult for your furnace to keep up.
Avoiding damage to your roof
Those same extreme heat situations that affect the inside your home also put undue stress on your roof and the structure of walls. Extreme heat reduces the lifespan of shingles and can even warp the wood framing throughout your home.
Avoiding Moisture issues
The next issue that may arise if your attic isn’t well-ventilated is not only that moisture from your home, such as from shower use, is trapped inside, but condensation can also accumulate from the constant heating and cooling. This moisture decreases the effectiveness of your insulation and makes your attic highly susceptible to mold and mildew.
How much ventilation does your attic need?
How much ventilation your attic needs will vary depending on numerous factors, such as the depth and type of insulation in your home, the slope of your roof, local weather, and more. The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) recommends one square foot of ventilation (split 50/50 between intake and exhaust) per 300 square feet of attic space, but this is only an estimate. To get a more personalized quote, your best bet is to speak with a professional roofing contractor, such as Armor Services Roofing Florence KY, about what’s best for your home.
How will I know if my attic lacks proper ventilation?
You can perform a visual inspection, or ask a professional to do so for you, to look for the types of ventilation your home is utilizing and ensure they are adequate for your square footage. You also want to ensure that none of your current ventilation is obstructed by insulation, debris, or otherwise.
Additionally, there are some signs of improper attic ventilation, though not all are apparent all year, including:
-Irregular heating and cooling costs
-Noticeable temperature shifts in the upper levels of your home
-Mildew or mold in your attic
-Algae or condensation in window sills
-Peeling paint near your roof
-Ice damming in the winter
-Unexplained roof or shingle damage
It is possible to have some of these signs without ventilation being the issue, but they are a good case for investigating further.
Check your attic today
As you can see, a well-ventilated attic will not only save you money on your electric bill, but it will help to regulate the temperature of your home and maintain the longevity of your roof and walls.