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Home Home and Family Family How to Make Sure you Meet the Attic Ventilation Requirements
How to Make Sure you Meet the Attic Ventilation Requirements PDF Print E-mail
Written by Matt Brown   
by MattBrown


Regardless of whether you live in a hot climate or a cold one, your attic room has to be both well insulated and well ventilated. Adding insulation, rooftop or gable vents can save you thousands of dollars per year, as it'll let hot air out during the summer and it'll also keep the attic room insulation from getting damp in winter.



If your ceiling is warm to touch in the summer, whether or not just a little warmer than an inside wall, it is a clear sign that your attic does not meet the insulation or attic ventilation needs.



Another sign is an air conditioner that stays on the whole day without cycling off and on. If you go outside of the house and do not notice any big mushroom formed vents or multiple tiny square vents, nor little vent holes under the roof overhang or vents at each of the gables, your house may not meet the attic ventilation wants. Some metal roofs have a continuous ridge vent, but these only work with soffit vents or with vents under the roof.



Use a step ladder and place your palm on the ceiling at points across the house, checking for warm spots. This , however , will find only severe Problems. You will have a heat gain during the summer (or loss during the winter) thru your ceiling even though you cannot feel a hot ceiling.



Find your loft access and go up in your loft in the hottest time of the day (usually around 3 p.m.) and see how hot it is. If you feel intense, intolerable heat, you probably don't have enough ventilation.



Ventilation is essential in all climates, but when it comes to electrical reductions, it is particularly critical in warm climates. Home builders don't install enough ventilation because buyers do not demand it, and they do not truly have to worry about your power and water bills. Additionally, many customers do not understand just how much a hot loft will cost them every month, do they don't want anything on the roof besides shingles.



If the attic is really hot during your first visit, and you do not see any positive vents such as whirlybird vents (turned by the wind) or powered loft or gable vents, hire a contractor to install some. Solar powered roof or gable vents will make the best choice.

About the Author:

Matt Brown is an approved home inspector and he wrote this article provoked by his site, www.HomeInspectionCourse.net , where he provides someattic room inspection tips.

Kindly provided by 4Girls.dk You are welcome to use this article on your own website, if you include this link.
 
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