Tips for Attic Ventilation
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Before you ventilate your attic, you should first insulate it, paying special attention to the stair area. Insulating your attic will lower your heating and cooling bills, and it will allow you to properly ventilate the area to discourage the growth of mold and mildew. Insulating your attic won’t just save you money- it also helps you do your part to help the environment because of reduced energy use. There are two main ways of insulating your attic; removing the plaster and putting in insulation, and the second way is to drill small holes, pump in the insulation, and plaster the holes shut. Once the attic is thoroughly insulated, ventilation can be set up.This article offers tips on how to improve attic ventilation that can prevent mildew and condensation while keeping us warm during winter and cool during summer. Insulating your attic is essential because heated air that gets trapped can warp and otherwise damage the wood frame. When that heat gets combined with humidity, dry rot and adhesive deterioration can result, and metal fasteners can rust and break. During the winter, trapped moist air can allow mold to grow. There are a few ways to ventilate your attic, such as ridge or turbine vents, static and gable vents, or a cupola vent. Your choice will depend on your roof’s design, your attic’s size, and the climate where you live. Ideally, exhaust vents will be placed at the roof ridge to allow the hot air to escape. Your attic can also be ventilated with solar energy. A solar panel powers an attic fan, increasing demand on the AC system. If your hot and humid attic air isn’t exhausted, indoor air quality will suffer because of mold and mildew, and your roof shingles can deteriorate. A too-warm attic in the winter can melt the snow on the roof, resulting in water damage. If you want your attic to be cool, you need an electrically powered fan used in conjunction with soffit vents- but don’t forget to put screens in to keep birds and bugs out. | |