5 Myths about Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation is one subject that comes with a lot of misinformation and myths. Keeping your attic well-ventilated at all times is important to make sure that air is always circulating properly. Proper circulation provides moisture level reduction and keeps the air fresh. According to the American Institute of Architects, about 90% of US homes have abnormally high moisture levels. Making sure that your attic ventilation is done right will save you from damage as well as poor health.
To make sure that you get proper attic ventilation, it is vital for you to know the different myths that come with it. Here are 5 myths about attic ventilation:
1. More is always good: This is far from the truth! Just as you ensure that your furnace or AC is properly sized, the same needs to be done for your attic vents. When your attic does not get enough ventilation, you will face problems with moisture during the winter season and low energy efficiency during the hot months. Excess ventilation can be bad as well, sometimes worse. Roof vents can cause leaks and the seams can cause hurricane-induced blowouts.
2. Roof vents will benefit you during the summer: Roof vents increasing energy efficiency is a myth. While proper roof ventilation can help you achieve this, if you are looking to be more energy-efficient, the color of your shingles, insulation and exposure to the sun is more important.
3. Warm air is removed during winter: This is wrong information that many homeowners believe. It is not true that by having proper attic ventilation during winter, you let warm air out and decrease heating efficiency. The fact is that with the right attic vents, you can gain more heat from the sun than the furnace you use.
4. Lab results from research: You cannot believe what researchers say about the results they find when they conduct tests on attic ventilations. No lab setting can be compared to how vents work in real attics in real homes. The optimization and effectiveness of attic ventilation and types of air vents cannot really be studied with accurate results as location and climate conditions vary from area to area, making it difficult to determine just how air ventilation works.
5. Roof vents mean attic ventilation: Having roof vents in your attic does not necessarily mean that you have the right attic ventilation. There are different types of vents and each works differently. How you install the vents also makes a difference in how much air circulation you get. The efficiency of roof vents in providing attic ventilation differs from one roof to another as well.
You should hire the services of professional builders before you make a decision of the type of roof vent to use to obtain attic ventilation. When you get the basics right, you will not be required to spend extra money on attic fans, additional insulation or radiant barriers. There are a lot of expert builders in Wandsworth for example who will be able to advise you on what type of attic ventilation system you require and how to prevent damage to articles stored in your attic as well as maintain accurate moisture levels throughout the year.
