Attic ventilation is the flow of air through your attic. The components involved with your attic ventilation system must provide for adequate inflow of cooler outside air through soffit vents, and a way for that warmer attic air to escape (adequate outflow) typically through a roof vent of some kind.

Why is attic ventilation important? There are two primary reasons:

• During the warm summer months, excess heat that builds up in the attic during the day results in increased energy costs for cooling.

• Moisture produced within the home (bathrooms, kitchens etc…) may move into the attic if the correct ceiling vapor barriers were not installed. If this moist air is not exhausted from your attic, it will condense and cause your insulation and framing lumber to deteriorate and fail. In addition mold and mildew may form due the increase in moisture.

By properly addressing your attic insulation and attic ventilation needs you can stop wasting money on your heating and cooling costs as well as eliminate potential moisture issues down the road.