Attic is a place no one wants to visit unless absolutely necessary. We have all been scared of venturing anywhere close to attics as all of us have been scared by those attic monsters, and even though we are adults, we still have our inhibitions. Most of the time we just store all are excess luggage in there and forget about it. However, it is important to know that attic ventilation is absolutely necessary for keeping your house well ventilated and free of moisture, odor, rust or rot. Attic vents are a must for every home to ensure the health and safety of your family. So, if you are considering home improvements, make sure attic ventilation is high on your priority list. Here is why it should be.
Attic Vents for Houses
These vents are necessary for the following reasons. During summer, the heat may get trapped in your attic. This may result in an increase in your utility bills due to the extra cooling that will be required. Similarly, if the moisture formed in the house accumulates in the attic, it may lead to decomposition of the wood and infestation of microbes such as mold and mildew. Take a look at the following if you are considering installing them. Its types differ dependent on the requirements of the residential building codes. Basically, there are two types available- exhaust vents and intake vents. Exhaust vents allow the air from the house to escape out whereas intake vents let the air from outside enter into the house. These are the two primary types, the rest differ in structure and are categorized as follows.
Types Available
Soffit Vents
These vents are installed in attics with high vents mostly in the overhanging part of the roof. Whenever a home has only one type of venting, soffit vents are the best option. These are screened vents that protect the house from moisture and also other things such as insects and snow.
Ridge Vents
These vents are installed throughout the length of the peak of the roof. The volume of airflow for ridge attic vent is much more than any other fixed vent for attics. Ridge vents are screened and therefore, protect the house from insects. It is effective all around the year. Ridge vent with baffles are considered more beneficial than simple ridge vents.
Gable Vents
These come in a variety of shapes such as circular, triangular and square. They are installed just below the roof peaks and help in protecting your home from strong wind and heavy snow and also infestation to an extent. However, the life of these vents is lesser than the others and they do not ventilate the entire attic but just a part of it. Therefore, if you have a smaller attic gable, these may work for your home.
Solar Vents
This is a cost-effective way of attic ventilation. These, as the name suggests, make use of solar energy to enable ventilation. Solar attic fans are charged up by solar energy and maintain a balanced airflow in the house. Installation charges are all that may cost you and will effectively reduce your utility bills.
Attic fans are very cost-effective and installing them is easier than the other vents. Similarly solar attic fan installation can be very easy and you can do it yourself.
Installation
While installing attic vents you must think of attic insulation cost as well. Different types might help you in determining the same. If you are thinking of installing the vent on your own, these are a few easy steps you have to follow.
- Determine the area in which you wish to install your vent.
- Use a saw to make a hole by determining the dimensions of the vent.
- Secure the vent using screws
While installing gable vents, make sure you remove the sheathing and siding in the planned area with a circular saw and line the area with caulk and then install the vent and secure it. When installing a ridge attic vent, be sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions to every little detail. You need to do away with the roofing shingles at the end of the ridge, mark the roof sheathing with a chalk on either side of the ridge and then install the vent. Secure the attic vent using screws.
After getting these tips, you can consider what your attic ventilation requirements are. These are a few tips for installing these vents and the choices you have in them. Be sure you choose the right one.
