Attic Ventilation in the Winter
Proper ventilation in your attic is important to protect you and your home in the winter months. Ventilation in your attic protects the structure of your roof from moisture damage. Improving your attic air flow will keep your home in a good condition. It will also maintain good indoor quality of air for the winter.
The Importance of Ventilation
Having the correct HVAC system protects against many home problems. This makes sure that your home is comfortable indoors. Also, protecting your roof from moisture damage, such as:
- Moisture that can warp the roof
- Growth of Mold
- Frost
- Rotting Wood
- Popped Shingles
- Dams of Ice
Your Attic During Winter
During the winter months, heat rises to the attic in your home and with heat comes moisture. When attics do not have proper ventilation, moisture will collect in that space of the home. Moisture will seep through the structure of the house. It can damage your roof along with the framing and things in your attic. Having the correct HVAC in your attic will allow cool, dry air from the outside to flow into the attic. It will also allow the warm, moist air in the attic to escape. Good ventilation keeps the temperature even. It even prevents hot or cold spots that cause dams of ice where water can freeze below the shingles of your home.
Having the correct HVAC during the winter will keep mold and mildew from growing. This keeps your family safe from harmful bacteria and contaminants. Getting rid of moisture by ventilating your attic will improve indoor air quality. It will also prevent rodents and insects from staying in your attic.
Ventilation Problem Solvers
A HVAC professional may recommend one square foot of ventilation per 300 cubic feet of space. A ratio of 1:1 of intake and exhaust vents is best to have good airflow throughout the attic. Vents in the roof allow the attic ventilate on its own. An HVAC professional can offer mechanical solutions as well.
Intake Attic Vents
Intake attic vents help air to flow into the attic. Three main types of intake vents for better attic ventilation in the winter are:
Gable vents: These vents are at the peak of the roof, which is the highest point of the gable. Some people choose to paint them to blend with the home’s outside appearance. The gable can serve as intake and for exhaust, depending on the direction of the wind.
Under Eave Vents: These under-eave vents are a continuous vent that is under the eave of a home. You can use insulation to cover these vents in the attic. Be sure that the insulation is not installed covering any of the vents.
Rafter Vents: Rafter vents work in relation to the under-eave vents. They help to give clear, clean air flow to the under-eave vent. These are along side of the attic’s rafters, centered at the place where the ceiling and the floor of a attic meet.
Be sure to contact the experts at Ardmore Fresh Air at (847) 588-2400. Get a free consultation on attic ventilation or any other HVAC need!
