The best guide to ventillating attic spaces begins with ensuring there is minimal air leakage from the rest of the house. Most of us tend to stay away from the attics in our homes unless we suspect critters have taken up residence there or we think we have a moisture problem. Excess moisture in the attic can turn into a serious problem because it causes rot, mildew and black mold.
There is a fine line between venting the moist air from the attic and pulling so much air from inside the house that it puts a strain on your furnace or air conditioning. There are preventative measures you can take yourself to minimize the moisture content of the attic. Once you have done this, a professional roofer can tell you if you need more roof vents. A roofer will also be able to detect roof leaks that you may not be aware of. You need to keep your attic as dry as possible, and it’s a known fact that hot air rises, taking the humidity with it. The secret is to prevent that moist air from leaking into the attic. Take a look at the ceilings in your upper floors and inspect them for any signs of openings where air can escape into the upper regions. Light fixtures are a primary culprit, so make sure these are well-sealed. Avoid can lights if possible, since these tend to be quite leaky. Check the seams in your drywall. Sometimes in the construction of your home these are finished by nailing trim over gaps. Check inside your attic for any pipe or object that end at or penetrate the top floor ceiling. Drop ceilings can disguise very large gaps into the attic. Make sure bathroom ducts are vented to the outside. The guide to ventillating attic spaces is keeping it a dry as possible
