A standard residential attic that lacks ventilation can reach temperatures as high as 150 degrees during the summer season. Fortunately, you don’t have to make major changes to the roof to cool down your attic. In today’s post, the residential roofers at Four Star Roofing share a look at how proper ventilation is all you need to maintain a healthy temperature in your attic during the summer.
Why Do You Need Attic Ventilation?
Even with proper insulation, an attic will trap heat and moisture without proper ventilation. If you notice a big increase in temperature and humidity when you climb up to the attic, the roof ventilation system may need to be improved. A standard attic ventilation system consists of exhaust vents located at the ridges and intake vents at the soffits. Since warm and moist air tends to rise, it will naturally move to the ridge vents. The resulting negative pressure will pull fresh and cool air through the soffits.
Unless converted into a living area, the ideal attic temperature should more or less match the temperature outside. This is important because roof support structures are typically made of wood. Exposure to significant temperature differences, such as a hot attic during winter, can result in warped wood. The excess heat may also damage roof insulation and other roofing components, resulting in an unplanned repair appointment with your local roofers.
How to Cool Down the Attic
First, inspect your attic for airflow. You should feel cool air coming from the soffit vents, which indicates your attic is getting some ventilation. If you have a room thermometer and a hygrometer, compare attic and outdoor temperature and humidity levels. A significant difference indicates insufficient attic ventilation. Signs of heat and moisture damage, such as clumping insulation, water stains and warped wood, are further indicators of insufficient attic ventilation.
Roofing contractors like us offer solutions for insufficient attic ventilation, the simplest of which is to make sure that the ridge and soffit vent sizes are not mismatched. Parts of the roof ridge and/or the soffit may need to be replaced to correct this problem. For large and sprawling attics, exhaust fans can be installed to complement the ridge vents. Solar-powered exhaust fans are ideal because they’ll keep the attic is kept cool even in the event of a power outage.
Looking for a roofing or siding contractor in the area? Call Four Star Roofing at (281) 359-7663 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
