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.

Step 1 - Determine the Vent Type

There are different types of vents 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 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.

Step 2 - 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 of 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.

Step 3 - Survey Installation Areas

Once you have drawn out a 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 the vents are evenly spaced on the roof.

Step 4 - 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.