Brad Diepholz talks about “Attic Ventilation-part 1”
Brad Diepholz found the following information.
Every wonder what is the purpose of attic ventilation? This seems like a simple question. Most homeowners and even some experienced contractors believe the purpose of attic ventilation is to remove heat that builds up in the summer.
Well I would say that is accurate but what that answers leaves out is just as important as what it includes. If you understand the principles of attic ventilation you know an effective system provides year round benefits.
To start during warmer months the ventilation helps keep attics cool. With colder months ventilation reduces moisture to help keep attics dry. It also helps prevent ice dams.
One of the main purposes of an attic ventilation system is to provide added comfort to help against damage to materials and structure and to help reduce energy consumption during all four seasons. Your goal should be to provide those benefits whenever you design and install an attic ventilation system.
During the hot months of the year the upper rooms of a home are always warmer. This is partly because hot air rises. In the majority of homes without adequate attic ventilation, a far more important factor comes into play. This is called downward migration of heat.
For example this is what happens in a home on a hot summer day. Radiant heat from the sun hits the roof. The roof temperature and heat travels into the attic. As heat builds up in the attic it radiates to the attic floor. Then the heat travels to adjacent living areas rising the room temperatures.
The longer the hot and sunny conditions last the more uncomfortable it becomes in the home. That’s because an unventilated or inadequately ventilated attic seldom loses enough heat overnight to compensate for the heat gained during the day.
The effect is magnified in homes that have heavier insulation. Eventually this accumulation of heat begins to have more practical and costly consequences.
Typed by Brad Diepholz
Comments(0)