Brad Diepholz talks about “Attic Ventilation-part 2”
Brad Diepholz found the following information.
Homeowners take action to cool themselves during the warm summer months. To reduce the effect of heat they will turn on fans, window air conditioners or central air conditioning systems.
As the hot weather continues these appliances run longer and longer. Heat also is being stored in the attic.
A less obvious but equally consequence can be found on the roof itself. Homeowners can’t see it happening but over time excess attic heat can cause some shingles to distort and deteriorate. The result is premature failure of roofing materials and perhaps a leaky roof.
Ventilation can’t eliminate the transfer of heat from roof to attic but it can minimize its effects. In order for this to happen a well-designed system must provide a uniform of cool air along the underside of the roof sheathing.
That steady flow of air carries heat out of the attic before it can radiate to the attic floor. It is important that the airflow is uniform. That means intake and exhaust vents must be balanced for both position and airflow capacities.
If not hot spots will develop under the roof sheathing. These hot spots will reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of whatever ventilation is installed.
Efficient insulation increases the need for effective ventilation. This is because heavier insulation adsorbs and holds more heat. That means it’s likely overnight cooling can remove heat that builds up in an attic during a prolonged period of hot sunny weather.
The solution to this is not to reduce the insulation in the attic. This would only crete problems at the other times of the year. Instead the goal is to design an attic ventilation system that effectively compensates for the additional heat gain produced by the high levels of insulation.
In summary effective attic ventilation also helps cool attic insulation and the deterioration of roof shingles and roof sheathing.
Typed by Brad Diepholz
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