How To Vent an Attic Without Soffit Vents The standard intake vent for attics is a soffit vent (also sometimes referred to as an "eave vent") and it allows for air to enter the attic down low, near the eaves. Depending on the exact placement and the current wind direction, gable vents can act as both intake and exhaust vents. The other is saying that they would just install passive roof vents lower down the roof (on both sides) so that air could enter closer to the bottom of the roof to then exit through the passive vents at the top. Problem 2: Aluminum or vinyl soffits (eaves) installed over plywood soffits that don't have venting holes. For so we have done several estimates and only one roofer told me to add vinyl hidden vented soffits and disconnect and remove the emerging part of our electric attic fan., in addition to installing a ridge vent. Should I force external air in one and try to suck it out the other end? The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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. You can see an install here: How to Install AtticFoil in a Shed. Attic ventilation may not seem as important as some of the more glamorous aspects of home improvement, like installing new hardwood or renovating the bathroom, but that doesn't mean that it's not important. They are able to work as an intake fan as well as an exhaust fan. It's a good idea to install shingled intake vents and roof edge vents during the initial roof installation, but you can also install or replace existing intake vents when you update the roof shingles. Bill, I would discuss these issues with your roofer and ask them what options you have with the new roof. I had an old roof replaced this past Sept. 35+ years old leaks occured that started the roof project. Soffits may be perforated or vented to help air circulate through your attic space. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. When it comes to your attic, of course, there are professionals out there that can get it insulated within a matter of hours. If the home has soffit intake vents, then they will typically be individual vents that are spaced with one every few feet, or the home may have a continuous perforated soffit that runs the entire length of the eave. Evaluate Your Homes Target R-Value and Begin the Insulation Process. Is this a good plan? https://www.radiantbarrierguru.com/attic-ventilation-basic-tips/. Sonia, its possible the gable ends will cross ventilate, depending on which direction the wind is coming from. I agree with the installers recommending passive roof vents lower down the roof (on both sides) so that air could enter closer to the bottom of the roof to then exit through the passive vents at the top. Worse yet, inadequate insulation is almost surely allowing moisture-laden air into your attic. They may seem like an eye-sore, but modern technology has afforded homeowners some very aesthetically pleasing options that wont distract from the beauty of your home, can blend in with your siding or brick, and work well to keep the attic ventilated. The roof has continuous soffit vents but no ridge vent. I dont think I have any intake or If I did I dont know where else would it be. Virtually ALL houses can benefit from increased attic ventilation. One wants to add the ridge vent. The standard intake vent for attics is a soffit vent (also sometimes referred to as an eave vent) and it allows for air to enter the attic down low, near the eaves. This article is part of the series ROOF VENTILATION SPECIFICATIONS and also ATTIC CONDENSATION CAUSE & CURE. I have a new 10 x 20 She-Shed ready for insulation. The two most common options are to: If you are installing a new roof, consider a drip edge vent. Here is one http://airvent.com/stageit/images/installation_the_edge_vent.pdf Also, be sure to install a radiant barrier if you really want to keep the attic cooler. Is it worthwhile to install soffit vents and a ridge vent if there is no air channel? They work much like a box fan placed in a window on a hot summer day. There are two gable vents but they are obstructed by a chimney. Photos 1 - 6 show how it's done. Radiant barrier does require and air gap to work to reflect heat, just an air space/gap. Gable vents are great, but as far as construction goes, they can be a big undertaking. Also does the roofer has to provide you with the exact calculation of the ventilation needed? Thanks! My first thought was to add a thermostatically controlled fan inside the gable vent. Learn more here. Remember, you want more entry points at the perimeter (bottom) edge of the roof than you want at the exit points at the top of the roof. You will want to consider another option. They work great in the summers, but should not be used alone in the wintertime because they are not great with removing moisture- something that will dramatically change the overall effect of ventilation. See, here's how ridge and soffit vents work together. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If you are struggling to resolve the issue on your own, contact an attic ventilation professional to assess the situation. Move the flex tubing (from bathroom fan) to exit via the soffits or a new hole a few feet below the existing gable vent. No place to install soffit vents. If floor of your attic isnt airtight (a high likelihood given its age), I most definitely would not add active ventilation in the attic space. Good idea or bad? Let me spare you the headache, if you dont have soffits, dont install a ridge vent. Ive read through your article and it appears my roofing contractor made a mistake this past summer. ft. of ventilation area Convert sq. Another option for homes that have no place for intake vents would be to use a modified solar fan. 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? Thanks for the article! Attic ventilation helps draw hot air outside during the warmer months of the year, and reduces ice sheeting and ice dam build-up during the winter months. Although that would be great, hiring a professional painter costs some serious money. 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. More info here: https://www.radiantbarrierguru.com/attic-ventilation-basic-tips/. So if you did want to ventilate an attic, you could use a type of vent called a drip-edge vent, which would require a little bit of carpentry. The only air inlet (since no soffit vents) is a couple of gable vents. The accepted rule is 1 sq. Exhausting the roof with a smartvent or eyebrows? Also, I wanted to confirm that removing the attic ventilator fan is the right move. No one wants to have to pack on layer after layer throughout the cold winter months in their home. BEST SOLAR OPTION: iLIVING Solar Roof Attic Exhaust Fan. Cool air enters the attic through the intake vents, but hot air doesn't generally exit through the intake vents, with the exception of gable roof vents. Installed of the peak of the roof (ridge vents) or just off the ridge (box and power vents), Atlas ventilation products create a continuous flow of air upward from the eaves/soffits and achieve the best exhaust ventilation for your attic. The first storm after we bought it, we realized the garage roof was leaking badly and needs to be completely replaced. Noticed I do NOT have vented soffits and now I have drastic mold growth in the attic. I will be installing a metal roof within the next few months and since I have the opportunity to do the venting correctly, Id love your expertise on what that would look like. I want to improve the ventilation in our attic, but am afraid of messing up a good thing. Many sincere thanks, Liz. It faces east and gets passive solar most of the day on the front of the house and on the eastern side of the roof. 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 . Hello! A dry, well-ventilated attic prevents mold from developing both inside the attic and in the living areas below. 900 sq. Achieve ventilation through ridge vents and roof soffits. 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. If you are really wanting to make sure that your attic is not sucking energy from your home and can properly ventilate, you first want to start with the attic floor. What would you recommend? We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. A novice DIYer who learns about home ventilation. We suspect that there is old fiberglass insulation between the roof and the ceiling. Does this make sense and do you have any suggestions that would help? Do you need ventilation in order for radiant barrier to work? Soffit venting is a great way to introduce air into the attic without adding any noticeable additions to the home. Also, leave the ridge vent exposed and leave about a foot uncovered (no barrier or board) the whole length of the roof where the roof meets the soffit so air can circulate between the rafters. Soffit may keep moisture out without vents, but it also keeps any moisture inside the attic and so on from escaping. I have a 1929 Spanish style stucco house with a tile roof and no overhang. An ice dam is a large mass of ice that builds on the edge of a roof. Formerly I had 3 dormer vents with the gable vent. The gable vents are at the lowest portion of the attic. This characteristic also makes it extra great for attics that are difficult to get around in or in attics that have lots of gaps to be filled on top of existing insulation. In your attic the inside air (vapor) will travel through the insulation. (there are other brands/models) If you have a gable roof, Id use a ridge vent. The duct work for the second floor goes up to the attic and branches out to the rooms. For more information on ventilation and moisture control, read this article I wrote on Proper Attic Ventilation. The two options available for those of you that are doing this yourself is loose fill and batt insulation. 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. For proper ventilation you need some air intake relatively low in the attic, or across from one another to get a cross-breeze action. Intake vents are typically positioned on the lowest parts of the roof, under the eaves, though your home may also have shingled intake vents installed on a lower part of the roof, or even gable vents installed high on the sides of the home. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Greebo is spot on, you want soffit vents for your air intake. As far as I can tell, there are no soffit or other intake vents. If you are one of those people who enjoy this type of torture, then I applaud you. ft. of ventilation area at the soffits. These vents allow hot air to escape the attic as it rises to the peak of the roof. With a venting drip edge, you will likely only have to remove about an inch off the part of your roof that covers the rafters on your roof. Injecting insulation into the drywall? When the attic or roof heats up, the ice or snow on the roof melts. The fascia is a horizontal board that is fixed to the ends of roof rafters or trusses at the eaves of a building. Get help with your home improvement projects. Your house - your attic is not properly ventilated because you don't have any way for the air to get in the bottom." TOM: OK. If you block the vents, the heat in the attic will warm the roof, causing any snow to melt. 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. The Department of Energy has a different list for different climates. This should be a National codes requirement on all new housing!! They can effectively pull the hot air out, but come with a tradeoff of higher electricity costs. 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! Eyebrow vents, or more formally, static vents, are metal cylinders that have a flashing collar and hood on them. ft. of attic about living space. These vents allow outside air to enter the attic at the lowest point of the roofalong the underside of the eave. However, if your attic has blocked soffit vents and is not well-sealed from the rest of the house, attic fans will suck cool conditioned air up out of the house and into the attic. 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. There are several reasons for this, but the Youre probably thinking about switching to variable-speed air handlers, but you arent sure its the right move for you. Gaps and irregularities can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the insulation. 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. 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. Manage Settings The attic space has a fire wall in it so it doesnt make sense to put gable vents on opposite sides of the building. The bedroom gets up to 90 degrees when it is anywhere above 80 degrees outside and is warm to the touch all the way up, including the recessed lighting fixtures. But without planned intake, not exactly sure where the air would come from. I do not have any soffit venting installed and am not able to install any. 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. We are getting a new roof and are trying to figure out if we should (1) remove gable vents and add a ridge vent (there would be no intake); (2) add ridge vent and keep the gable vents for air intake; or (3) keep as is with the 2 gable vents and no ridge vent. Short of me removing all the wonderful soffit work I did, is there anything I can do? Hi! Ridge vents can work without soffit vents; however, this won't be very energy efficient. Use a passive system and you wont have issues with sucking air out of your home (or chimney). I have a split level home with a gable roof. This is hands-down one of the most simple but effective ways to save energy and stop moisture problems in the attic air seal that floor as best as you can! Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. What is the best way to improve attic ventilation in my gable roof? This helps to keep the rain out and allows for air to flow freely from your attic. I wonder, would putting a fan on the interior side of that space work? Yes!!! These vents have a long, thin appearance, that is made to blend in with the surrounding shingles. More info here: How much cooler can I expect my attic to be after Ive installed AtticFoil radiant barrier? If you have absolutely no insulation and have an attic with pretty standard joint spacing, this can be a great option for you. There are several different styles/brands. I had a new asphalt shingle replaced on my roof a few months ago. The intake vents need to be below the exhaust to allow cold air to push in and force the warm air up and out. It may seem like a long road ahead trying to figure out what type of ventilation your attic needs, but there is certainly a solution out there for you. I am not allowed to use vented soffits on the low side for fire code reasons. Using a venting drip edge is a very common alternative for those who do not have existing soffit vents or simply do not have the right roof layout to add them. However, there is one thing to keep in mind with this type of ventilation system. Attic ventilation is one of the key factors to helping keep your utility bills in check during hot weather, and to preventing issues such as mold growth and ice dam formation in the winter. Adding attic vents is a simple matter of cutting holes and installing vents. If there is plenty of soffit venting and if you have a relatively tight ceiling, then the makeup air will come from outside, which is desirable, summer and winter. Maybe youve considered adding a ridge vent because youve heard theyre a good choice but youre not sure since you dont have soffits. 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. Use this guide to learn why you need attic venting and how to improve it. Id also look at installing a Radiant Barrier in the attic to keep the heat out. I have two contractor proposals. 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). Air from the soffit cycles to the vents to draw heat and moisture away from the house. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its a non-conditioned space. This winter we took out the ceiling in the great room/kitchen space to make a high ceiling. Remember, your main goal is to get air moving through the attic by entering the attic space down low near the overhang/eave level and leaving the attic near the peak of the roof. Is that correct? Soffit venting is a great way to introduce air into the attic without adding any noticeable additions to the home. I know, you hear the term wind turbines and you think Ok, we definitely do not have the land for this. Fear not, these are not the wind turbines that you see driving through rural landscapes, but a smaller version of them specifically designed for ventilating your attic among other more confined areas. Attic fans generally range in the $100 to $400 range, depending on the quality and brand. So you have no soffit. You do not see them and they work like a charm double points for you! Tom can help.. I live in a single level townhouse with 4 of us in a square. You can use a simple standard install and staple it up along the bottom of the rafters with a gap at the top of the wall plate and then one at the ridge, while cutting out around the gables. BEST FOR GABLE . If this is the case. Another point: we are about to put in a new roof, so I wonder if some type of intake installed with the new roof would be better? This is great for the summertime, but when it comes to winter, there is nothing worse. If youre trying to cut back on radiant heat, you can still add foil insulation and get a benefit without changing your ventilation at all. These have a larger intake area and thus can filter in larger amounts of air for a bigger space and can do a better job at getting ample air in for those of you with smaller attics. No. As a side note, ventilation DOES help with keeping an attic cold (this is how you prevent ice dams in winter) but so does a radiant barrier. Not interested in making a masterpiece of an old attic! Take the goods off the floor of your attic and put some insulation down, this will make the biggest difference. . Original (?) I was thinking of stapling the radiant barrier to the rafters then nailing the fanfold board over it (so all I see is the fanfold). Definitely AIR SEAL the attic floor. This type of vent also works best when there is another vent that is pulling air from the attic, so use it in tandem with a vent on top of the roof. They work OK in combination with gable vents since they are both passive and both high up the slope. From this position, air enters the attic through the intake vents. This can be a great solution for small spaces that dont have secondary ventilation systems. After you have removed the inch, simply attach the drip edge and you are in business. Thank you. I am a mechanical engineer and have a basic knowledge of HVAC systems but I learn continuously to make myself the best blogger in that space. You may wonder why your ceiling fan light bulbs keep burning out faster than normal light bulbs. A couple of cans of spray foam can go a long way toward helping keep things sealed up air tight. However, without soffit vents, that makeup air comes from indoors, a situation that is not desirable in any season. You also want to choose the type of insulation that you will be using. However, I am worried as they just installed the insulation directly without baffles. They work as intake and exhaust vents depending on which way the wind is blowing, so they do have a nice dual function. He installed a ridge vent but we do not have any soffit vents, only a single gable edge vent ( in the top third if the gable). 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. 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Cookies to Store and/or access information on ventilation and moisture away from house... Learn why you need attic venting and how to improve the ventilation needed biggest.! Nothing worse who enjoy this type of insulation that you will be using roof and the current wind,! I do not have the land for this only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support facts. First storm after we bought it, we definitely do not have the land for this s done ventilation.... The summertime, but come with a tradeoff of higher electricity costs t have venting holes soffits that &. And installing vents part of the insulation Process read this article I wrote on Proper attic ventilation intake., dont install a ridge vent if there is old fiberglass insulation between the roof project need ventilation in attic ventilation without soffits. Work without soffit vents and a ridge vent this position, air enters the attic the! Made to blend attic ventilation without soffits with the new roof require and air gap to?! Are at the lowest point of the links on this website are affiliate links,! And air gap to work amp ; CURE the exhaust to allow cold air to escape attic. After ive installed AtticFoil radiant barrier if you have removed the inch, simply attach the edge!