The importance of attic ventilation

Written by: Steve Thompson

While attic ventilation is often debated among home builders, the actual requirements of attic ventilation have changed drastically over the last few decades. With all of the talk about energy conservation in the home, the attic is an oft-overlooked area that can make or break efforts to lower your energy bills each month.

Why is attic ventilation important?

Attic ventilation requirements will vary when you live in states in different parts of the country like New York and Texas. In cold areas of the country, attic and roof ventilation evacuate any hot air that rises from the living quarters below. When you run the heater in your home, much of the air is likely to find its way to the attic where it can easily generate moisture in the roof and produce mold and rot.

If you live in a hotter climate, on the other hand, ventilation is used primarily to reduce cooling costs during spring and summer. Since attics can reach much higher temperatures than the weather outside, the air conditioner is triggered more often and it will take more effort to cool the home. Also, extreme attic temperatures can damage pipes, electrical wiring, and anything you might store in that space.

How is ventilation achieved?

There are several different ways to ventilate an attic. The most common – particularly in warm climates – is wind ventilation which takes advantage of the wind outside to churn hot air from attics. The sphere-shaped ventilator is placed on the highest point of the roof and mobilized entirely by wind.

You can also achieve attic ventilation with power and gravity ventilators which are more expensive and more difficult to install. The problem with a power ventilator is that it can produce water leakage which might damage your attic and roof, but is more efficient.

How to improve ventilation

The best way to improve your attic ventilation is to hire an expert who can determine the vulnerabilities in your home or office and recommend the most efficient steps toward increasing energy conservation. A contractor can inspect the structure and offer personalized recommendations and estimates.

However, if you are going to choose this route, make sure you request quotes from multiple attic ventilation professionals before hiring someone. The estimates may vary widely, and conducting proper research in advance will ensure an affordable and accurate quote for your project.