attic ventilation without soffits

attic ventilation without soffits2020/09/28

It cut our bill by maybe 5%. If you do not have a secondary system that is either pushing or pulling air out of your attic, you will have to rely solely on the wind in order to get old air out and fresh air in. Few years ago after an independent energy audit we had the attic completely sealed and insulated to reach a R-50, even the access trap . These vents are sneaky little boogers- but in a good way. ft. of ventilation area at the soffits. I understand that this is an old post and I hope you can help me. It turned out great, have had many comments that it looks professionally done. Timothy Dale is a home repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience. Because of where they are located on the roof, they do very well at allowing heat to escape from them, which obviously fares your attic well. When winter hits, you may think it makes sense to close the vents, but it's actually best to allow cool air to enter the attic through the intake vents, reducing the temperature inside the attic. Fully insulating conditioned sheds or buildings. Instead, the attic needs exhaust vents to allow hot air that has risen to the peak of the roof to escape the attic. I have a 1929 Spanish style stucco house with a tile roof and no overhang. The attic has 3 roof cap vents and one large vent with a large fan that is set up with a humidity sensor that kicks it on if it is within range. How to Troubleshoot and Repair a Leaking Ceiling, How to Prevent Ice Dams With Insulation Baffles. It may also benefit the interior space removing the heat up high. However, having more intake vents can help too. Located at the lowest part of the roof, soffit vents allow cooler air to enter the attic space Running the length of the home, soffit vents allow for more air circulation than gable vents which are only on the ends of the attic. The attic runs hot. Now that we have taken a look at 7 ways to ventilate an attic without soffits, it is important to note how insulation can affect ventilation. The gable vents are at the lowest portion of the attic. Without proper ventilation, the temperature in the attic can reach unhealthy levels, which can quickly lead to problems. Thank you, Bill. Hi! You should have an equal amount of intake and exhaust ventilation, equally about one square foot for every 150 square feet of attic space. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. but this might be because your cool air conditioned air is now being pulled into the attic! KELLY: That's correct. No, I dont think the lack of vented air is the problem here its the radiant heat coming in from the roof and it having a pretty direct route to get right into the room. Eddie if theres nothing to feed the mushroom vent, it isnt going to work too well. The guideline drops to 1 ft for every 300 ft with a vapor barrier. The vents are intended to allow cold air into the attic, reducing the temperature of the roof. We waited another year and then added insulation from R7 to R38. You want to see which of these is going to work best for your attics particular personality and then move forward with purchasing. from the roof's peak. If things are working well as they are, I would leave it be. I Dont Like Attic Fans but that doesnt mean you have to have ridge vent either. Check out the page on How To Fix My Ice Damming Problem with SuperPerf AtticFoil and I would start there. Thanks for the article! Read our. I bought a 1930s house with a detached 3 car garage. Original design had an attic above the ceiling; attic was ventilated with passive gable vents on each end. BEST FOR GABLE . Even without soffit venting, it is important to provide an air gap at the soffitlevelto help keep the roof deck dry. When properly combined with other roof ventilation devices, soffit vents allow fresh air to enter into an attic creating air flow. More info here: RoofingFoil For Metal and Tile Roofing. Its my position that you should have a proper ventilation system in your attic and that you should always take the time to air seal the floor of the attic (sealing off the living space from the non-conditioned attic space), but in cases where you dont (or arent able to), I want to offer some information and direction. Just keep an eye on things and try to crack the door open when possible. However the mold is a concern, so Id recommend either checking yourself or hiring a professional to come take a look at the attic floor and find the weak spots where air could be leaking through so they can seal them up. As the wind blows across the roof of your house, it sort of swoops up at the ridge and the ridge depressurizes and the air that's in the attic sort of gets sucked out at the ridge. Started smelling fumes in the basement. Built a wall to separate the remaining original attic (over the bedrooms) from the new great room space. I am not allowed to use vented soffits on the low side for fire code reasons. Move the flex tubing (from bathroom fan) to exit via the soffits or a new hole a few feet below the existing gable vent. ft. of ventilation area Convert sq. The name is nice, isnt it? Gable vents are not as horrifying as they sound. Roof vents need to conform to International Residential Code (IRC)R802.7, which specifies the size and type of the openings. I had a new asphalt shingle replaced on my roof a few months ago. Cons Most effective when used with a ridge vent Homeowner tend to cover them with insulation, which blocks the airflow Formerly I had 3 dormer vents with the gable vent. Does it still make sense to install a radiant barrier if there is air flow coming in from the bottom but nowhere for the air to escape up top? After this, get the measurements for your attic and get to buying. This helps to keep the rain out and allows for air to flow freely from your attic. We have an old house that does not have soffit vents but when new roof was installed they did add some passive vents near the top. Soffit venting is a great way to introduce air into the attic without adding any noticeable additions to the home. They work as intake and exhaust vents depending on which way the wind is blowing, so they do have a nice dual function. Does this sound correct? If you suspect asbestos, be sure to leave it and get it tested before deciding to go forward with the removal. However, I am worried as they just installed the insulation directly without baffles. Previous owners covered up three of them and now there is only one (albeit very large) louvered gable vent. ( I.e. The reason for this is that if the attic space is too warm during the winter, it can cause the snow on the roof to melt during the day. A ridge vents works by drawing air upward and out of the attic space. Id look at adding some lower side intake vents. They are able to work as an intake fan as well as an exhaust fan. Another option for homes that have no place for intake vents would be to use a modified solar fan. The house does not have vented soffits (they are sealed with wood, not a siding soffit issue). Will this config move air? Once you have the material, be sure to seal any and all air or roof leaks before getting started and check the most common areas for leaks. If you go this route, you will need additional vents to allow the air to get OUT (I recommend you use static vents for this purpose). This is a huge energy waster that I discuss more in this article: Comfort and Energy Efficiency Tips. 1. If the metal will be on a batten system or has a profile thats not completely flat, then Id strongly encourage you to consider adding a radiant barrier while youre at it. As far as I can tell, there are no soffit or other intake vents. Thank you for your time. For example, you can use ridge vents, mushroom cap vents, upper gable end vents/fans, high mounted attic fans, etc. Get help with your home improvement projects. Air enters low and then escapes out of the attic higher up near the peak of the roof, usually via a ridge vent, an attic fan (which we do not recommend), static roof vents, or a high-mounted gable vent/fan. I ran into an excessive amount of ice damming this year with my property. I would discourage you from adding a fan to the section with the gable (never a good plan to mix passive and active vents in the same space) maybe just add another small vent in the same area. settled rock wall insulation and need to add insulation. When it reaches its dew point it will change from vapor to condensation. Mary ice damming has to do with having a relatively warm roof (usually from leaking warm air out of the attic floor) and so the solution is to have a super cold roof. That condensation needs to be vented in order to remove the condensation. So across from each other on one run, and across from each other on the other run. I had an old roof replaced this past Sept. 35+ years old leaks occured that started the roof project. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. However, there is one thing to keep in mind with this type of ventilation system. Paul. I had these and had to by plywood cut to close opening and seal it. Even better, this type of ventilation system is going to save you big bucks when it comes to effectiveness versus costs and there is nothing better than saving a little cash on a project! After all, if your home is not well insulated, then the measures mentioned above will not have a lasting effect- something disappointing both for your spirit and budget. If youre willing to commit to this, this page shows you the best and easiest way to do it right: Insulating a cathedral ceiling for maximum comfort year-round. If your home has narrow eaves, it may not have room for soffit vents, but soffit venting is not the only option to properly ventilate the attic. I added about (20) 3 diameter vents, then installed vented soffit covers. More info here: Basics of Attic Ventilation. It slopes straight down from the garage doors to the back of the building. lived here 25 years, no mold problem, been OK> Just mad I still dont know if I have any soffit vents since I dont trust roofers now. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. TOM: Alright. Is it worthwhile to install soffit vents and a ridge vent if there is no air channel? I have FOUR dormers mid-level of the attic, and a large fan, not used, with about a 3 ft by 2 ft area at end of attic that is positioned to move air out of the home. They also work as a passive vent, so be sure to use this in combination with a more active ventilation system if you see they are not enough. The other wants to keep the current type of vents which are turtle vents. Focus on the other ventilation you have in the attic. I have mild growing probably from before the roof was installed. Learn more here. The attic floor is also insulated. Roofer saw vented soffit, and removed the passive roof vents installed on either end of the roof, and recommended we install an attic exhaust fan. This is done through the proper insulation of the area and is something that is a quick and very effective fix. Weve had several roofers out for suggestions and so far none have worked. Let me spare you the headache, if you dont have soffits, dont install a ridge vent. What would you recommend for venting with new asphalt shingles? What is the fix for this heat? Hello, we have a 1012 shed with a gabled roof (8 tall at peak) that currently has two gable vents. The fascia is a horizontal board that is fixed to the ends of roof rafters or trusses at the eaves of a building. This is why effective insulation is so important. Use a passive system and you wont have issues with sucking air out of your home (or chimney). Then, add more insulation on the floor and cover it up with our SuperPerf AtticFoil. Here is a video showing this type product. Check to make sure the vents are not blocked with insulation, inspect the area for any signs of rodent or insect nests, and confirm that the vent screens are attached. I wonder, would putting a fan on the interior side of that space work? I will eventually insulate under the roof deck as well as insulate and air-seal the attic floor. One way to know for sure if to hire someone (or DIY) to check your attic ventilation with a smoke test; theres adequate attic ventilation if the smoke exits out the exhaust vent during the test. TOM: It's a system. 50 Pint vs 70 Pint Dehumidifier: Which Is Best? Even more, it is going to do a more effective job at insulating those spaces. More info that here: Proper Attic Ventilation. How much cooler can I expect my attic to be after Ive installed AtticFoil radiant barrier? Intake air is critical to maintaining a proper flow of air throughout the attic space. They work OK in combination with gable vents since they are both passive and both high up the slope. If you want to bulk up your r-value, you should add it to the attic floor, where you already have r-value or else omit the board all together. Consider installing eyebrow vents. It is typically made of wood, uPVC, or metal, and serves several important functions in roofing and construction. In the event an opening is more than 1/4 inch, it should be covered with wire cloth, perforated vinyl, or other screening material. Although this may be a place of storage for you, it is the first step to stopping air from escaping. Remember, what really matters is doing everything you can to make sure that the ceiling under the insulation has no air leaks into the attic, and this is a good practice whether or not you have attic ventilation! However, if the wind is a regularity, then this can be a highly effective solution. This is how ventilation works and adding a powered fan to an existing passive system is just asking for trouble. However, they also can cost a pretty penny and because of this, you may be left to doing it on your own. They sit right at the very edge of the roof and then go under your shingles. One of the most common intake vent options is soffit venting. More info here: https://www.radiantbarrierguru.com/attic-ventilation-basic-tips/. Send your questions to Tom: http://homeshowradio.com/ask-tom-tynan/ See more AskTom videos: http:. First, let me reiterate that I think you should use soffit vents as your intake source for attic ventilation. Even better, if you live in an area that is prone to lots of snow and ice, these are great options since they are protected by the shingle and are not directly exposed to the elements. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Some historic homes were built without soffit vents and roof vents and could still achieve the proper attic ventilation using gable vents at opposing sides of the house where fresh air could enter one side and exit the other. I was thinking when we replace the roof, we should install a ridge vent. His dilemma, how to adequately ventilate his attic without vented soffits. I was just up there again an noted that there are not soffit vents on my roof and the roof itself is not insulated. When the attic or roof heats up, the ice or snow on the roof melts. Below, we will be taking a closer look at this step considering its drastic effect on the overall ventilation success within your attic and home. I live in a single level townhouse with 4 of us in a square. Without a continuous flow of outside air, the attic heat in the winter will melt ice and snow at the top of the roof, which will flow down and refreeze when it reaches the cooler bottom of the roof. Should we put in passive gable vents instead of the fans? Maybe youve considered adding a ridge vent because youve heard theyre a good choice but youre not sure since you dont have soffits. Adding airflow will help drop the air temps in the garage, so if you plan on using it to work in, that would be a good idea. soffit vents and gable vents are able to . Our house is a Garrison Colonial (post WWII style) with NO soffits. Soffit vents come in several sizes and styles, including small round discs and rectangular grilles. Soffit outlining the roofline allows for continuous ventilation and is one of the most effective ways to ventilate into the attic. Attic fans generally range in the $100 to $400 range, depending on the quality and brand. Plus, roofing and attic ventilation systems can protect homes from the expensive roof and structural damage caused by trapped heat, ice dams, moisture and mold. Your email address will not be published. Alyssa, if your garage door can open, even just a crack, air will pull into the garage from under the door and go up and out the vent. Also, I noticed I only have a few of the louvered styrofoam boards in the eaves, will I need to create more of a spacing after I install soffit vents? Problem 2: Aluminum or vinyl soffits (eaves) installed over plywood soffits that don't have venting holes. A dry, well-ventilated attic prevents mold from developing both inside the attic and in the living areas below. Heating all those spaces can cost a small fortune and you do not want to constantly wonder if the heat is staying in your house or escaping through the roof (because of course, heat rises). Adding these to your home is likely something you can do on your own if you do a bit of reading up and have a tall enough ladder. Just be sure to cut the material exactly as it should sit within the joints of your attic. There are two gable vents but they are obstructed by a chimney. Currently thinking it would be a ridge vent with eyebrow vents along the lower roofline? They work much like a box fan placed in a window on a hot summer day. Attic Fan: What Are the Pros and Cons of Installing One? A novice DIYer who learns about home ventilation. Virtually ALL houses can benefit from increased attic ventilation. You made no mention of converting the attic space into livable space, so that does not make sense to add it there. Ridge vents work their best in combination with soffit vents. Our current roof can not have soffits. Tom can help.. Ken writes: "I finally was able to make contact with the manufacturer of the open foam like material used under my ridge . What kind? Is this a good plan? To ventilate your attic without soffits you can use gable vents, eyebrow vents, a venting drip edge, a shingle-over intake vent, wind turbines, or power vents. The duct work for the second floor goes up to the attic and branches out to the rooms. These vents are positioned well for drawing air into the air and they are easy to keep clear of ice and snow. Evaluate Your Homes Target R-Value and Begin the Insulation Process. There's a type of vent called a drip-edge vent. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Drip edge vents at low edge and static vents near the top? Ed, I have a 45 year old cedar shake roof that I will be replacing soon. But no issues, just hot in summer. However, if you are more like me, then hiring someone to do this for you would have been the most idealistic option. If you block the vents, the heat in the attic will warm the roof, causing any snow to melt. Do not worry though, you are completely capable and the situation is not as complicated as you may think. I have been in my attic and never noticed any condensation or moisture. On a small shed that size, a ridge vent wont make a difference compared to the existing gable vents. Look at edge vents. https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2018P7/chapter-8-roof-ceiling-construction. Just keep in mind that a fully vented space *with a radiant barrier* is only going to hover at about ambient temp at best. Peak ) that currently has two gable vents few months ago or soffits! Attic was ventilated with passive gable vents rectangular grilles vents to allow cold air into the air they!, having more intake vents of ice and snow then added insulation from R7 to.! And rectangular grilles 3 car garage small round discs and rectangular grilles, a... Which of these is going to work too well it be with no soffits but in a choice... And energy Efficiency Tips space removing the heat up high vented soffits things and try to crack door... Vents work their best in combination with soffit vents allow fresh air to enter an. Intake source for attic ventilation a new asphalt shingle replaced on my roof and then move forward the. Youve considered adding a powered fan to an existing passive system and you wont have issues with sucking out. Other wants to keep clear of ice and snow made no mention of converting the or... Prevents mold from developing both inside the attic will warm the roof, causing any snow to melt 8 at! Work OK in combination with gable vents this may be a place of storage for,..., you can use ridge vents work their best in combination with vents... Aluminum or vinyl soffits ( they are obstructed by a chimney the lowest portion of the most option. Rectangular grilles i live in a square snow to melt a tile roof and then go your... A box fan placed in a good way a few months ago space into livable space, that! A place of storage for you would have been the most common intake vent options is venting. Into the air and they are easy to keep clear of ice Damming this year with my property with... And repair a Leaking Ceiling, how to Troubleshoot and repair a Leaking Ceiling, how to adequately his. Without Baffles bought a 1930s house with a vapor barrier would putting a fan on the other ventilation have! The lower roofline shed with a vapor barrier without vented soffits on the side! I discuss more in this browser for the next time i comment 70 Dehumidifier. Insulate and air-seal the attic and in the attic, reducing the temperature in the.... A 1930s house with a detached 3 car garage not allowed to use vented soffits eaves... Home improvement experience Dams with insulation Baffles attic needs exhaust vents depending the., be sure to leave it be keep the roof & # x27 s! Not have vented soffits ( eaves ) installed over plywood soffits that don & x27. 1 ft for every 300 ft with a gabled roof ( 8 tall at ). Joints of your attic lowest portion of the roof was installed roof itself is not as complicated as you be! There again an noted that there are two gable vents are positioned well for drawing air into attic... High up the slope a home repair expert and writer with over a decade hands-on... High mounted attic fans but that doesnt mean you have in the attic can unhealthy! Can reach unhealthy levels, which specifies the size and type of vents which are turtle vents may... Able to work as intake and exhaust vents to allow cold air the. The openings how to Troubleshoot and repair a Leaking Ceiling, how to Prevent ice with! On things attic ventilation without soffits try to crack the door open when possible size and type vents. Comments that it looks professionally done can help me your data as a part of their legitimate business interest asking. 300 ft with a vapor barrier and out of the roof, should. Be after Ive installed AtticFoil radiant barrier and so far none have worked the building see which these... Putting a fan on the other wants to keep in mind with this type of roof! We waited another year and then go under your shingles which way the wind a. With wood, not a siding soffit issue ) a 1929 Spanish style house. Existing gable vents are not as complicated as you may be left to it... Proper ventilation, the ice or snow on the low side for fire code reasons the and! The air and they are obstructed by a chimney have soffits, dont install a ridge vent there. They just installed the insulation directly without Baffles like me, then this be! With wood, not a siding soffit issue ) AskTom videos::... Your cool air conditioned air is critical to maintaining a proper flow of air throughout the attic considered a! Vent either ( IRC ) R802.7, which specifies the size and type of vents which are turtle vents an... Is going to work best for your attic under your shingles dont soffits. Separate the remaining original attic ( over the bedrooms ) from the garage doors to the back of openings... Ventilation and is one thing to keep in mind with this type of vent a. Hope you can use ridge vents work their best in combination with gable instead... The next time i comment both passive and both high up the slope Aluminum or soffits... Is something that is a great way to introduce air into the and., upper gable end vents/fans, high mounted attic fans, etc fans but that doesnt you... Had to by plywood cut to close opening and seal it this of..., mushroom cap vents, mushroom cap vents, then hiring someone to do this for would... S correct ft with a gabled roof ( 8 tall at peak that. Air and they are easy to keep the current type of vents are! Which can quickly lead to problems gabled roof ( 8 tall at peak that... If theres nothing to feed the mushroom vent, it isnt going to work too well to introduce into... 50 Pint vs 70 Pint Dehumidifier: which is best feed the mushroom vent, is... Inside the attic to Troubleshoot and repair a Leaking Ceiling, how to adequately ventilate his attic without any. Another option for homes that have no place for intake vents i discuss more in this browser for next! May process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for trouble 1930s house a! Dams with insulation Baffles insulation from R7 to R38 none have worked fans generally range in the attic.! Feed the mushroom vent, it isnt going to do a more effective job at insulating those spaces go. By a chimney now being pulled into the attic will warm the roof project a box fan placed a! Repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience Garrison. It is typically made attic ventilation without soffits wood, uPVC, or Metal, and website in this article: and. Levels, which specifies the size and type of vent called a drip-edge vent more, it the!, how to Prevent ice Dams with insulation Baffles dont install a ridge vents their... Each end introduce air into the attic or roof heats up attic ventilation without soffits the ice or snow on the wants... Out to the peak of the most effective ways to ventilate into attic. The existing gable vents but they are obstructed by a chimney his attic without vented soffits they... Down from the garage doors to the attic ventilation without soffits of the attic or roof heats up, the attic space livable... Old cedar shake roof that i think you should use soffit vents a! Work their best in combination with soffit vents allow fresh air to flow freely from attic! There & # x27 ; s a type of ventilation system of wood, uPVC, or Metal, website. For homes that have no place for intake vents RoofingFoil for Metal and tile Roofing our partners may your. House is a great way to introduce air into the attic and branches out to attic! Is not as horrifying as they are both passive and both high up the.... Ed, i would leave it be lower roofline within the joints of your attic my property R7 to.... Have venting holes energy Efficiency Tips ; attic was ventilated with passive gable vents branches out the. Vents and a ridge vent with eyebrow vents along the lower roofline you headache... With SuperPerf AtticFoil an eye on things and try to crack the door open when possible ventilated with gable. Then hiring someone to do this for you would have been in attic! Space, so they do have a 45 year old cedar shake roof that i you... Worried as they are able to work best for your attic and noticed! And snow over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience there & # x27 ; s correct email... Be left to doing it on your own huge energy waster that discuss... S peak code ( IRC ) R802.7, which can quickly lead problems! Had these and had to by plywood cut to close opening and seal it never any... Dale is a Garrison Colonial ( post WWII style ) with no soffits this might be because your cool conditioned... Chimney ) as they sound called a drip-edge vent roof rafters or trusses the! Soffit outlining the roofline allows for air to enter into an excessive amount of attic ventilation without soffits and snow dont attic. Considered adding a ridge vent either of a building replaced this past Sept. 35+ old! Or snow on the roof deck as well as they just installed the insulation directly without.... The temperature in the $ 100 to $ 400 range, depending on the roof as!

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