Hello. I live in the Bay Area in California and wanted to improve the attic ventilation (1400 sq. ft.). Right now, there is only one gable vent and four soffit vents near the porch at the front of the home. I know this is woefully inadequate for the home. What I'd like to do is to add some more intake and exhaust venting. It's a simple pitched roof with no hips.
Regarding the intake vents: I don't believe there is sufficient eaves to add additional ventings in those locations. Any area under the roof itself where I could potentially install some soffit vents, don't acutally lead to the attic so I don't think that is an option.
I think I have two options: shingle over vents, or dormer vets near the edge of the home. Personally, I'm leaning toward the shingle over vents as those are more aesthetically pleasing and less obtrusive. However, I'm having some trouble finding quality information regarding the best option. I think the three biggest contenders are Air Vent's Edge Vent, DCI SmartVent and Cor-A-Vent's In-Vent. The In-Vent has some numbers stating they have the best NFA. However, I'd be more interested in hearing from others have have used these products in the real world and their performance.
Regarding the exhaust vent: Originally, I was thinking about putting in a ridge vent, but was told by a few contractors that for the type of climate we experience, that it is probably overkill. So, they suggested a more economical alternative, which was to install some dormer vents, turbine vents, powered vents, etc. I was looking into the Aura Vents with Fan ( http://roofvents.com/aurafan.html ) because their design allows a static vent to act like a turbine. And with the fan, I could still ventilate the attic on days with little or no wind. However, I'm not stuck on this brand, and would consider alternatives.
So, what would make more sense: ridge vs. active/passive vents?
And finally, if using active exhaust vents, I would like to hook it up to a thermostat. I've read that having a humidistat would also be recommended. Is this something I should also look into in my area?
Thanks for any advice and input!
Regarding the intake vents: I don't believe there is sufficient eaves to add additional ventings in those locations. Any area under the roof itself where I could potentially install some soffit vents, don't acutally lead to the attic so I don't think that is an option.
I think I have two options: shingle over vents, or dormer vets near the edge of the home. Personally, I'm leaning toward the shingle over vents as those are more aesthetically pleasing and less obtrusive. However, I'm having some trouble finding quality information regarding the best option. I think the three biggest contenders are Air Vent's Edge Vent, DCI SmartVent and Cor-A-Vent's In-Vent. The In-Vent has some numbers stating they have the best NFA. However, I'd be more interested in hearing from others have have used these products in the real world and their performance.
Regarding the exhaust vent: Originally, I was thinking about putting in a ridge vent, but was told by a few contractors that for the type of climate we experience, that it is probably overkill. So, they suggested a more economical alternative, which was to install some dormer vents, turbine vents, powered vents, etc. I was looking into the Aura Vents with Fan ( http://roofvents.com/aurafan.html ) because their design allows a static vent to act like a turbine. And with the fan, I could still ventilate the attic on days with little or no wind. However, I'm not stuck on this brand, and would consider alternatives.
So, what would make more sense: ridge vs. active/passive vents?
And finally, if using active exhaust vents, I would like to hook it up to a thermostat. I've read that having a humidistat would also be recommended. Is this something I should also look into in my area?
Thanks for any advice and input!