By Paul Bianchina
Q: I read that proper attic ventilation should be one square foot of ventilation area for every 300 square feet of ceiling area, and that it should be along the eaves and along the ridge. Does that mean a total of both high and low vents, or one square foot at the eaves and one square foot at the ridge? -Ruud G., via e-mail.
A: The ratio of one square foot of ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic is for the combination of both high and low vents. For example, if you have an attic that is 1,200 square feet, you would need approximately four square feet of total vent area, split so that approximately two square feet is at the eaves and two square feet is at the ridge or in the gable ends.
This ratio is a general rule of thumb. In very wet climates, you may need to increase your ventilation to handle the higher moisture levels. Your best bet is to check with your local building department to see what the building codes in your area require.
Copyright 2004-2006 Inman News.
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