Too Much Soffit Attic Ventilation

Anything less than balanced is not optimal.

Too much soffit attic ventilation.

While effective at pulling in cooler air the biggest problem posed by this type of soffit vents is their positioning. What happens is people put too many products on their roof. Ventilation of attic spaces is required by most building codes as well as by roofing material manufacturers and the national roofing contractors association nrca. Before we explore how to ventilate an attic space it is prudent to understand how much ventilation is needed.

Calculate the total vent area needed multiply the length of the attic times the width in feet to find the attic area then divide by 150 to find the total square feet of vent space needed. Enter square footage calculate or enter the square footage of the attic or area to be vented. Ventilation can be accomplished using various products and techniques. Roof ventilation keeps the air moving and stops mold from growing but too much ventilation can be just as bad as having none.

And when you put too many products on your roof that s improper ventilation. Let owens corning roofing help you calculate exactly how much ventilation you will need for a healthy and balanced attic with our 4 step ventilation calculator. If a roofing contractor is going to be out of balance with the attic ventilation system it s better to have too much intake than too much exhaust because the excess intake converts to exhaust on the leeward side of the house. Venting a homes attic is a very important best building practices will say 50 at the ridge and 50 at the soffits unobstructed.

Homeowners can too easily inadvertently block them when insulating the attic. Length x width of attic in feet 150 total sq. Most building codes require a ratio of 1 150 ventilation space to attic floor space. There can be more soffit ventilation but never less soffit ventilation than ridge ventilation for new and remodeled construction i recommend installing a ridge vent and that all the soffits.

Soffit vents help increase the airflow are easy to install and only cost about 3 per 8 ft. The two main dangers associated with too much ventilation involve roof damage and increased utility bills. With a power switch or a thermostat installation an attic fan can be turned on to let hot air from the attic out. As a certified licensed home inspector it is not correct to say too much ventilation is bad for an attic unless rain moisture is getting in.

Dangers of too much ventilation. Can you have too much ventilation in your attic. For most of us the attic is a place to store clothes luggage and old family photos but for energy researchers it s a hot topic of discussion.