How to Plan Attic Ventilation

 

How to Plan Attic Ventilation

Attic ventilation is essential in controlling the heat that gets trapped in the roof of your home. If your attic is not ventilated or not properly ventilated, you risk having higher energy bills and doing damage to your roof in the hot summer months. Planning and installing attic ventilation will help to reduce the amount of air and moisture that gets trapped in your roof. Consider the information below to plan your attic ventilation.

Determining the Vent Type

There are different types of vents that you can install in your attic that will help remove hot air and moisture. The first thing in planning your attic ventilation is determining which type of vent is most suitable for your attic. There are many homes that have  been built with gable styled vents that are not as effective as soffit styled vents that are available today. 

Conduct thorough research online for the different types of vents for your home. Be sure to evaluate the cost and benefit of ventilation systems like turbine systems and power generated systems. A turbine vent, for example, is effective at removing trapped air in your roof but does not operate if there is no wind to spin the turbine. A power generated venting system is effective, however, has the potential to consume the money you save by using energy to operate. Builders agree unanimously that a ridge type venting system is the most effective and cost effective type of attic ventilation.

Roof Draw Diagram

It is best practice to measure the dimensions of your attic and draw a diagram that will include the areas you want to install vents. You can easily measure the square footage of your attic by multiplying the length of your home by the width. After determining the type attic ventilation system you will need, knowing where you want to put the vents is the next important step. How many vents you will need for your roof depends on the measurements of the vents themselves.

Survey Installation Areas

Once you have drawn out your plan of where you will install your attic vents, it is important to do a survey of the area to ensure your plans on paper will work out physically. Climb to the roof of your home and mark the areas on your roof in accordance to your diagram. If you already have the vents, place them in the areas of your markings for a dry fit. Ensure that the vents are evenly spaced on the roof.

Plan Installation

Depending upon how many vents you will be installing, you will be spending a considerable amount of time on your roof cutting and installing your vents. Ensure that you choose a day that is dry and that your roof is dry to avoid any accidental slipping. If you live in a warm climate, ensure that you take into consideration all safety precautions such as loose clothing and plenty of liquids to stay hydrated. Getting help from a friend or neighbor is recommended when doing any roof work. 

How to Calculate Proper Attic Ventilation

Proper attic ventilation lets air circulate through your attic. The air circulation deters the buildup of excessive heat and moisture. You can achieve attic ventilation in several ways. Fans, vents, skylights and windows that open can all help ventilation. The method you choose may depend on how you use your attic space.

Calculating Attic Ventilation Needs

As a general rule, every 150 square feet of attic space requires 1 square foot of ventilation. Windows do not always remain open, so fans and vents are your best bet. You might consider ridge vents, box and dome vents, gable fans and vents, or soffit vents.
Using the above calculations, we find that an area that is 600 square feet should have 4 square feet of operable attic ventilation. To fill this ventilation requirement, you could use four box vents (1 square foot each) or one long, narrow ridge vent (4 total square feet).

Improper Attic Ventilation

Without proper air circulation, moisture can build up in your attic. The moisture may lead to rotting drywall and insulation. In addition, since heat rises, air needs to flow in and out of the attic to draw out the heat as much as possible.
To avoid potential problems, measure the square footage as described above and choose a method of attic ventilation that can fulfill your needs.

How to Install an Attic Ventilation Fan

An attic ventilation fan is an electrically powered ventilation device that helps keep the attic free from moisture and heated air. The installation of the fan is an easy do-it-yourself project for people who are not afraid to cut holes on the walls or on the roof itself. An attic ventilation fan also helps increase the energy-efficiency of a home especially during summer when the heat can rise to unprecedented temperatures. Here is how to install an attic ventilation fan.

Tools and Materials

• Drill
• Saber Saw, Circular Saw
• Screwdrivers
• Switch
• Utility Knife
• Shutters or Ventilation Cap

Step 1 – Choosing the Best Fan

Attics that are relatively huge require a more powerful fan. Determine how powerful the fan should be before purchasing. Ask around for information regarding attic fans and choose one that best fits the requirements and the budget as well. There are attic ventilation fans that are installed right onto the roof, while some are installed at the gables.

Step 2 – Determine the Location of the Fan

Attic ventilation should be as close to the peak of the roof as much as possible to ensure that hot air escapes the interior of the attic. Mark the location where the fan will be installed. Drill a hole through the roof and shingles and stick a wire inside it to be able to locate the hole from the outside.

Step 3 – Cut Holes

Get outside and on top of the roof to locate the drilled hole. Use the template that comes with the fan and use it as a guide when cutting the rest of the roofing material. Use a saber saw or a circular saw for this task. If there are any shingles on the roof, use a utility knife to remove it from the surface of the roof before cutting a hole for the fan. If the fan is to be installed on the gables, simply trace the hole using the fan template and cut through it using a circular saw.

Step 4 – Mount the Fan

Before connecting the wires, make sure to secure the fan to the roof or the gables first. Locate the screw holes on the fan and fit the fan onto the roof or gable. Mark the screw holes on the wall or roof and pre-drill them. Afterwards, screw the entire fan onto the roof or wall. Make sure that the all screws are tight enough.

Step 5 – Connect the Wiring

Turn off the power supply and install the switch of the fan. Connect the wiring from the fan to the switch and from the switch to the power supply. The instructions for the wire connections are usually included in the manufacturer’s instructions on the product manual.

Step 6 – Install the Shutter or Ventilation Fan Cap

After mounting the fan onto the gable or the roof, install the shutter outside the gable or the ventilation fan cap outside of the roof. Every cap will install differently depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn on the power supply and test the attic ventilation fan.

Tips for Preventing Attic Ventilation Problems

Anyone who has suffered mold in their home will understand the importance of effective attic ventilation. Poor ventilation can result in condensation and this can eventually lead to problems with mold and mildew. While ventilation can be effective, it is possible to create further problems if certain aspects are overlooked.

Air Bricks

Despite them being beneficial in allowing a property to breathe, it is easy to take air bricks for granted. In the event that they have suffered damage or have been blocked by plant life or infested with insects, the ability that they have to provide attic ventilation can be greatly reduced. Prevent this problem from occurring by checking them regularly and cleaning them when required, this will usually involve nothing more that running pipe cleaners through the holes. Where they have broken, it is prudent to get them replaced as they are near impossible to repair effectively.

Insulation

As useful as insulation can be in reducing your heating bills, it can also affect the method of attic ventilation if it is not used properly. Whether you are using a blanket or loose insulation material in your attic, take care not to cover any apertures that allow air to circulate in the space. Similarly, moisture barriers should only be used in relevant sections of the attic so that it doesn’t obstruct any ventilation.

Windows

Skylights and windows can provide an effective method of attic ventilation, but they can often go neglected for a variety of reasons. If frames have been painted shut, undertake the work required to bring the opening back into operation. If safety is an issue, consider fitting a lever that will only allow for it to be opened a certain distance so that air can still circulate without allowing passage for anyone to get in or out. If a window is able to fully open, it can be sufficient to provide a significant level of ventilation even if left open for a short period. Make a point of adding it to the routine of locking up your home at night.

Vents

Check any vents that have been fitted to provide attic ventilation. In the event that they have suffered damage, they could allow access for insects, birds and other small animals to set up home and cause a blockage. Clean the vents on a regular basis and undertake repairs as and when required. If vents are at floor level within the attic rather than higher up the wall, make sure that they are not covered by any insulation fitted in the attic.

Extractor Fan

An extractor fan is a good way to create ventilation in your attic. Varieties that comprise a sensor are available on the market so that it automatically switches on when the temperature reaches a certain level. You can experiment to determine what temperature is appropriate for the fan to begin working at and adjust it accordingly. These fans are usually powered by connection to the electricity supply. However, it is still work checking it on a regular basis to ensure that the connections and components have not developed a fault.