Hello, my name is Matthew
Rock with Rock’s Roofing, Inc. I would like to speak to you about proper attic
ventilation. Attic ventilation is very important to keep your attic dry and
your roof in good shape, especially here in Denver Colorado where the snow and
resulting freezing and thawing can cause ice damming.
Attic ventilation is usually
a topic that is not discussed until there is actually a problem.
Simply because:
1.
People often
don’t know much about the requirements of proper attic ventilation or its
purpose
2.
Since the age of
higher quality windows and doors have come the house is now sealed tighter with
a greater volume of moisture rising into the attic
3.
Room humidifiers,
fish tanks, and improperly vented bathroom exhausts are also considering
factors that can increase moister in your home’s attic
Improper attic ventilation is
worst on the North exposure of the roof, simply because in Denver Colorado our
latitude is high enough on the globe that the sun appears out of the South and
is not directly above. Therefore it is colder on the North side of the roof, which
is where most of the moisture accumulates. Condensation inside an attic space
is closely related to condensation on a cold glass of water. After a period of
time moisture and no sunlight, obviously, creates the dreaded mold inside the
attic space.
Recently, proper attic
ventilation has been a big topic of new builders, building departments, and
roofing contractors alike. The requirement for proper attic ventilation is
usually one (1) attic vent per 300sq feet of roofing surface. Cross ventilation
from the soffit up through the attic vent is very important also. Soffit vents
should be evenly spaced and have a clear passageway for air, added spray
insulation can block airflow. The soffit vent should be large enough to pull
the proper amount of air, a 9” x 12” is usually recommended, louvered style
vent with screen to prevent wasp infiltration into the attic.
Proper ventilation can have a huge impact on the health of your home, its roof, and the attic space. Take at the outside of your home and attic, look for soffit vents, ridge vents, or gable vents. If there doesn’t seem to be any vents or an adequate amount of vents, if you have noticed any ice damming or have noticed moisture in your attic please give Rock’s Roofing, Inc. a call today, 303-425-1083, for a free evaluation and assessment of your attic ventilation system.
