Attic Ventilation – And Why It Is Critical
By Ron Williams – Roof Doctor

There are three reasons that your attic needs good ventilation. In summer, heat builds up in the attic during the day results in high costs for cooling.  In winter, moisture generated from various aspects of everyday living such as breathing, laundry, showers etc. follows little air trails into your attic and collects there. And third, moisture condensing on the framing members and the inside of the roof deck can lead to the growth of mold, mildew and rot in the roof deck and framing.  I have personally been inside an attic in the summer that was dripping wet throughout due to this condition.


The cooling effect of venting has two benefits. A) It makes living temperatures more comfortable during hot weather and reduces cooling costs. B) It helps get the rated life out of asphalt shingles. I have been on many roofs with under ventilated attics where the shingles have literally baked from the inside.

Research also shows a ventilated attic is slightly warmer on a clear, cold night than a un vented attic.

 Most people believe that is that have lots of insulation they are ok, but attic insulation can actually cause increases in temperature as the insulation holds the heat long after the sun is gone, continuing to transfer it slowly through the ceilings into your living space. 

I agree in principle with most of the general research and opinions on attic ventilation. I do not however agree on the most effective ways to correct existing ventilation inadequacies. Use of the Eyebrow vent is a practical and affordable solution to almost any attic ventilation problem. When properly used, it is relatively simple to achieve any amount of balanced airflow, and balanced airflow is what makes it work.

In Central California, call Ron Williams Roof Doctor 800 – 409 – 4910, or visit us at: http://www.roofdoctor1.com for all of your attic ventilation needs.