Adding attic vent w/existing ridge vent

2314 Views 6 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Ed the Roofer, May 5, 2009

GeorgiaGeek

Discussion Starter · May 4, 2009

Hi Folks,

I have a ~new (2007) house here in Georgia, and I'm looking for ways to cool off my attic during the brutal summer months. I currently have soffit + ridge vents, but I'm wondering whether some roof vents (probably solar) would help? The attic is ~1500sqft, and currently has R30 insulation.

In the summer, the upstairs central air unit runs nearly constantly, and I'd like to make a dent in the awful electric bill. I'd appreciate any pointers!

Thanks!

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Brik

· #2 · May 4, 2009

Gable vents are easy to do. Some can be powered as well. If you have a roof/attic design that will lend itself to gable vents I would go that route.

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GeorgiaGeek

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 4, 2009

Unfortunately the roof doesn't really have any gables. The only one is over the (uninsulated) garage, and it already has one.

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Brik

· #4 · May 4, 2009

I'm assuming your soffit vents are not blocked. The key to a ridge vent working well is having an equal, or greater opening at the soffit. Same will hold true with adding roof vents. Powered roof vents will possibly work better if your soffit vents are limited but will require a certain amount of intake. I don't generally care for roof vents because they are one more hole in your roof that could leak if installed incorrectly but in your case they may be your only option.

Here are a few to consider

Solar
http://astore.amazon.com/handyguys-20/detail/B001AH3C66

Electric
http://astore.amazon.com/handyguys-20/detail/B000LDIWPG

Passive turbine
http://astore.amazon.com/handyguys-20/detail/B000HE4RSA

Passive duct type
http://astore.amazon.com/handyguys-20/detail/B000BQOA8Q

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GeorgiaGeek

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 4, 2009

Thanks for the reply... that makes sense. There should be enough air from the soffit, but I'll check and make sure there aren't any blockages.

So, is it possible to add too much ventilation? I assume at some point there are diminishing returns....

Would a radiant barrier be any help? How does it get applied with the existing blown insulation?

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Brik

· #6 · May 4, 2009

I'm not sure I am a fan of radiant barriers. Others may disagree but I think my first choice would be venting.

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Ed the Roofer

· #7 · May 5, 2009

GeorgiaGeek said:
Thanks for the reply... that makes sense. There should be enough air from the soffit, but I'll check and make sure there aren't any blockages.

So, is it possible to add too much ventilation? I assume at some point there are diminishing returns....

Would a radiant barrier be any help? How does it get applied with the existing blown insulation?

How are you sure that there is enough Soffit Intake Ventilation?

How many and what size do you have?

Unless you have 100% continuous soffit vents, then over 90% of the time, you will be substantially under ventilated for Intake.

Ed

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