Is Increased Attic Ventilation Ever Not A Good Idea?

November 21, 2011 | Filed under: Home Ventilation, Misc, Roofing Answers

A few years ago, some folks had me come to their home to try to evaluate an odd ventilation issue they were having after their new roof was installed. They were suddenly getting condensation on the inside of their home’s exterior walls. This condensation was worst behind couches and other items that were located up against the walls. The condensation was causing mildew.

When I walked into their home, I felt air rushing in when the door was opened. I asked them if anything was changed when the new roof was installed. They could not think of anything. Then I asked if I could look into their attic. As soon as the entrance to the attic was opened, a great amount of air could be felt and even heard rushing into the attic space.

After some more questions, I learned that a ridge vent had been installed with the new roof. Yet their attic had no intake (soffit) vents. This was an older home and what was happening was that the draw created by the ridge vent was bringing cold and even moisture in through the home’s deteriorated brick walls. This was then condensing in areas where there was not good air movement inside their home, such as behind furniture.

In this case, there was opportunity for soffit vents to be added to the attic. This would then provide airflow to the ridge vent so it could function as required and ventilate the attic rather than pull air from the home’s living space.

In other cases, though, if there is no soffit overhang or way to add intake vents to the attic, adding a ridge vent can be a very bad idea by creating a situation similar to what these homeowners were experiencing, but yet not have any easy remedy.

So, I am a firm believer in attic ventilation but, are there times when it is not a good idea? Absolutely.

Contact me anytime with your roofing or ventilation questions. todd@asktoddmiller.com

todd Miller

has spent his entire career in the metal building products manufacturing industry. He is president of Isaiah Industries, an organization recognized as one of the world’s leading metal roofing manufacturers. Todd is currently Vice President of the MRA (Metal Roofing Association) and a Past Chair of MCA (Metal Construction Association). Through his website, he strives to raise the bar on standards and practices to provide property owners with the best possible products for successful roofing projects.

You may pull quotes from this article provided you include a link back to the original article on this site. You may not reprint this full article, or even a significant amount of the article, without explicit permission. To gain permission, click here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

what's the real price

How Much Should a Metal Roof Cost?

Get My Answer

Thinking about a new roof?

How To Buy A Metal Roof eBook cover

Educate yourself for a better experience when buying a new roof

This comprehensive eBook includes everything you'll need from "choosing a manufacturer" to a "metal roofing checklist," and is sure to be a great tool for helping you make the best investment in you home’s protection.

Get your copy!