Why ventilate your attic?
Current building codes typically call for attic ventilation to minimize condensation under the roof sheathing. This requirement is based on experimental results showing that with 1 ft2 (0.09 m2) of vent opening for every 300 ft2 (28 m2) of attic area will successfully prevent moisture buildup in attics. Other commonly cited benefits of attic ventilation are reducing moisture problems, minimizing ice dams, ensuring shingle service life and reducing cooling load. But ventilation should be part of a broader strategy…
How to control moisture in attics
Do you feel smell of a mold entering your house under damp weather conditions, usually in summer? Do you see evidence of water stains or mold on the sheathing, rafters or trusses in your attic? Is your attic insulation packed down or stained by water or ice? If the answer is yes to any or all of these questions, you got excessive moisture in your attic.
Attic moisture and your climate
Natural attic ventilation, with 1 ft2 (0.09 m2) of vent opening for every 300 ft2 (28 m2) of attic area, was proven to effectively prevent condensation in attics and as a result the 1:300 rule was born. The outdoor temperature in the experiment was –10°F (–23°C) and indoor conditions were 70°F (21°C) and 40% relative humidity. But these conditions are typical to cold inland climates only. Chances are you do not live in a cold inland climate and, as a result, the 1:300 rule does not apply anymore.
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