Understanding proper ventilation in a home can be a daunting task. Even professionals will argue about the best way to properly vent attic spaces. You may be wondering why attics need to be properly vented. There are several reasons for properly venting an attic and we hope by the end of this writing you’ll have a better understanding.

First, let’s start off with how proper ventilation can help with heat transfer. In an improperly vented attic on a nice hot day heat will build up on the roof surface high as 170 degrees and that heat will transfer into the attic space. This can raise the attic temperature to 140 degrees or more.  In an inadequately vented attic all of that heat can then transfer down into the living space raising the temperature to an uncomfortable level and that will cause your utility rates to go up as you try to counter this by using air conditioners and fans. In order for your attic to be properly vented you will need balanced airflow. That means you will need the same proportion of intake and exhaust vents. Proper airflow will help cool the underside of the roof helping with the heat transfer but it won’t completely eliminate it. Oddly enough newer home with heavy insulation the effect of heat transfer is magnified. Heavy insulation holds more heat and the best solution is to have a properly designed ventilation system to handle the extra heat. Taking out insulation can negatively you and your home at other times of the year.

Next, improper ventilation can affect your roof itself. You’re probably asking how a lack of vents can affect the shingles. As heat builds up in the attic that heat can cause your shingles to warp and distort over time. This will lead to premature aging of your roof and replacing a roof can be a significant cost.

This next one is something that almost no one will think of. Every time we cook or take a shower or bath, every time we wash clothes or dishes and even every time we breathe we put moisture into our home. Now what does that have to do with an improperly vented attic? A lot actually. An average family of four can put 2-4 gallons of water vapor into the air per day! That moisture vapor will naturally rise into the attic space and in improperly vented attics that vapor will condense onto the insulation, joists and even the sheetrock. All that moisture can lead to damaged wood, compressed insulation and sometimes even mold.

We'll discuss more ventilation issues later. But keep in mind, a well ventilated home is a much healthier home.

For more information, you can log on to our web site at www.thejardineoffice.com or simply call Matthew or Hank at 314-308-6489.