Properly venting a tiny attic space above a room

While exploring my house today I discovered a closed off opening to a small attic space above a room. I opened it up because I know there isn't enough insulation up there and I'm planning on adding some shortly.

I discovered something interesting though. At one point there was a vent. I could see where the hole was patched in the sheathing. It's probably good that it was patched since there was no intake. I didn't see any signs of moisture.

On the far end of this space is plywood on the trusses of the main attic. If this was cut open it would connect all 3 attics (there's also a lower one, which is where I accessed this small one from).

The question is, should this small space be vented? Should I cut an opening to the main attic to connect all 3 attics spaces?

 

Your venting should come from soffit vents and a ridge vent. That is the best way for air to circulate in the attic and keep down on moisture. Your local fire code will dictate whether or not they should be open to each other. In most cases they must be open for ingress/egress of fire personnel. Don't rely on any air circulation from other parts of the attic to vent this area, however.

 

Thanks for the reply - The only option in this case would be a ridge vent, since there are no soffits. Does it even need to be vented though, since it's so small, and it hasn't been vented properly ever?

 

A lot of the decision comes from what is going on below. Does that ceiling have a vapor barrier? What is the humidity down there? If it were a moist bathroom and no VB you would have already had a problem. Codes would dictate requirements for access as Chandlers stated but once you open it up some venting might be needed. A low roof vent or edge vents can be used with a ridge vent.

Bud

 

No vapor barrier - it's just a normal bedroom below. No signs of moisture on the sheathing (no rusted nails or black around them).

 

Although I prefer venting, I have seen many attics with little or no venting that look just fine. The difficulty this creates is any change made in other areas of the house could change what is happening up there. Tighten up the house to reduce heat loss and you will enjoy a natural increase in humidity. But that increase could affect how that attic is performing. All I'm trying to say is that everything is interrelated. For now, if you don't address the access issue, all seems well. If you were to replace the roof over that area, installing edge vents and a ridge vent should be included to take advantage of the timing. Some research into the codes in your area could also put some future work on your list, perhaps when the weather is better. If you do clean up that insulation and add more, the baffles for each rafter bay should be included so you or someone else doesn't have to revisit those areas again.

Bud

 

Thanks for your help Bud!

 

That is the best way for air to circulate in the attic and keep down on moisture.