Attic Ventilation In Winter
Throughout the balance of this digest the terms attic and roof will and can be used interchangeably.
Attic ventilation in winter. Posted november 18 2019 by lewis insulation filed under attic ventilation. In the winter allowing a natural flow of outdoor air to ventilate the attic helps. In cold climates the primary purpose of attic or roof ventilation is to maintain a cold roof temperature to control ice dams created by melting snow and to vent moisture that moves from the conditioned space to the attic ventilation acts to bypass the vapour barrier created by most roof. Here in minnesota we get quite the snow filled winter.
Not true for all parts of canada. At first it may seem odd to add insulation for warmth and then purposely allow cold air to enter the attic through vents but this combination is the key to a durable and energy efficient home. About attic ventilation natural attic ventilation. The more attic ventilation in winter the better.
The intake vents allow dry air from the outside to enter while the exhaust vents allow the moist air to escape. And with our unpredictable weather and temperatures we are at a high risk of getting ice dams. In certain regions most of the data is from the national research council in the saskatoon area it appears that the only effective way to stop continuous accumulation of frost in the attic is to not ventilate at all during the worst of winter but to seal. For proper attic ventilation it is important to have both intake and exhaust vents installed.
During cold winter months the attic vent fan is not. Eliminating moisture problems through attic ventilation works to improve indoor air quality. It also prevents the warm damp and dark environment that pests love keeping rodents and insects from nesting in your. In order to achieve proper attic ventilation a ratio of 1 1 is needed for the intake and exhaust vents.
How proper attic ventilation can help prevent ice dams this winter.