Duplex, no soffits, no attic vents... OH MY!

Ok everyone here is my brain buster. I've just purchased (for a steal) a duplex in Pittsburgh but I've noticed that there is no attic ventilation. After doing some research I've realized a major problem! My roof has no soffits and because I have a end unit of a duplex (side by side style) I'm not sure how to properly vent my attic space. C'mon everyone... I know there has to be a smarty out there who can help me in my quest for good air flow. Could this be a possible DIY job? Any help would be much appreciated!

Best Regards,

Justin

 

How about uploading a picture of the unit to a place like Photobucket, and then paste the link to the picture here.

The first thing that comes to mind is gable end vents on both ends of the units, if it has a gable ends.

 

I can only gable vent one side of the unit since that is the only side I own. The roof only has a front slope and a back slope. Nothing fancy. I could put a gable vent on only one side but do you think I should also vent the roof itself? Maybe ridge vent or would simple vents on the front and back side of the roof help. Anyway... let me take some pictures and I'll post them.

 

If you can only do your half then, no, one gable vents wouldn't make sense. Ridge vent without any intake would probably be the best option, since the rising heat would be able to escape. Ridge vent is obviously more effective if it has fresh intake air... but with no soffits, you're pretty limited in how to do that.

The best suggestion I would have is to took into a product by Cor-A-Vent (or similar products) whereby you cut a slot through the roof sheathing down low on the roof, apply the Cor-A-Vent In-vent, then shingle over it. This product would allow for intake air all along the lower areas of the roof, giving you good airflow out the ridge.