All About Attic Vents

Most home and building owners choose to install attic vents in order to help them maintain the construction quality of their structure. Attic vents are designed to provide air circulation in the room. Without proper air circulation, many different problems are likely to occur. The following paragraphs will provide valuable information about attic vents, as well as discuss why they are necessary in every attic.

Although there are several different types of attic vents, there are two principal types. These are intake vents and exhaust vents. Intake attic vents are designed to allow air from the outside to enter the attic. Exhaust vents are designed to give the air a place to escape. These vents work together to help provide the best possible ventilation in an attic.

Intake vents have names that reference the location they need to be installed. For example, gable vents should always be installed just below the peak of the roof, in the gable. Soffit intake vents need to be installed in the soffit and are usually placed down the entire length of the roof. Any other type of attic vents installed directly into the roof are known as static vents. Static vents are commonly equipped with hoods to keep rain and moisture from entering. The effectiveness of any intake attic vent will depend on the location it is installed, as well as the number of intake vents installed.

As state above, exhaust vents in an attic are vents that give air a place to escape. Exhaust vents in the attic can be static or turbine. Static exhaust vents use no power assistance to allow air flow, while turbine exhaust vents require the power of the wind in order to move air. Turbine attic exhaust vents tend to be more common, and can be seen spinning on many rooftops of homes that efficient air movement in their attics.

Proper attic ventilation is important for several reasons. Without proper air flow in the attic, structural damage is very possible. During winter months, it is not uncommon for moisture to gather in unventilated attics. During summer months heat can be an issue. Over an extended period of time, moisture build up or excess heat can cause problems with attic insulation such as:

• mold
• mildew
• rotting

Excess moisture or heat build up can also cause these same problems with the wooden rafters and other wood located in the attic area.

It is highly beneficial for any attic to have a proper ventilation system. Upon the completion of new construction, a new attic will be inspected by a building inspector, to ensure the attic meets building codes. Older homes are usually inspected before purchase. If you feel there is a need for your attic to be inspected, you should consult an inspector, or a licensed roofing company. If you do not have any attic vents, you should consider having them installed.