Home Ventilation Articles

Ridge Vents and 2nd Floor Conversions

February 12, 2011

A homeowner from Tennessee wrote and asked me: Q: I have ridge vents for a metal roof that I had installed this past year. To prevent wasps and leaves from coming in, the roofer told me he’d put metal screens in the vent. However, a man he sent over put in a black foam that… ( read more )

Metal Roofing and Condensation

January 10, 2011

Q: Hello. I was reading about what you said concerning metal roofs. I have one and it sweats when the sun hits it in the morning (condensation). Can you help? I understand the need to reduce moisture from the inside, so I took the boiling pan of water off of the wood stove. Is this… ( read more )

Hot Attic Increases Energy Costs

November 10, 2010

A homeowner from Alabama, recently sent me the following question: Q: I live in southern Alabama in a home that was built in 1992, The inspector while inspecting this summer said my attic was running 150 – 180 degrees and suggested that something be done. Roof is original there are wind vents and soffit vents…. ( read more )

Too Much Ventilation?

August 11, 2009

Q: I had my roof replaced 18 months ago and the roofing company found many of the boards to be rotted and moldy (even though the house had a complete reboard done only 9 years earlier). They informed me it was because I did not have enough ventilation. I had 5-6 can vents near the… ( read more )

Turbine Vents

June 30, 2009

Q: Do i have to put turbine vents on my metal roof? A: Turbine ventss are used to vent excessive heat and moisture out of attics. There is nothing specific about a metal roof in most cases that increases the need for ventilation including turbines. However, I am a strong believer in good attic ventilation… ( read more )

Attic Ventilation

June 26, 2009

Q: My home 34×60,single story, red brick, colonial front, slab floor. I have vents in ceiling, living and bedrooms have cathedral ceilings on opposite ends of home. Attic ventilation is an opening on each end of the 60′ length through the shape of a birds beak, roof is 5/12 pitch. I am replacing the roofing… ( read more )