[Gs320]

I'm getting a house ready to rent for the first time and was wondering what to do about these approx. 3' x 4.5' openings in the ceiling of the enclosed back porch. (I use the term "enclosed" loosely here...the only "wall" between this porch area and the outside elements is cedar shingles with the occasional hole letting daylight in. It started out as a proper enclosed porch project about 50 years ago which never got finished. The space basically serves as a framework/support for a outermost back door to the dwelling and as housing for the washer and dryer. It's not connected by ductwork to the central AC unit but is wired for just the laundry appliances.) The house was built in about 1944 and had an attic fan at that time but this fan is long gone. My question is -- Can I just close up these openings with ply board or does the attic still need ventilation from this area which would require putting up screens again? Thanks...

 

[jlhaslip]

If this "porch" is attached to the house, then in my climate it should be "vented", although regular soffit / ridge venting should be enough.
Assuming the soffit / ridge vents are in place, I would say to close it up.

Where are you located? Regional climate might not allow for the same answer.

 

[Gs320]

If this "porch" is attached to the house, then in my climate it should be "vented", although regular soffit / ridge venting should be enough.
Assuming the soffit / ridge vents are in place, I would say to close it up.

Where are you located? Regional climate might not allow for the same answer.

It's located due south of Houston, TX right on the Gulf coast. The attic has (gable?) vents in each end of the "V" shape of the roof presently...

 

[jlhaslip]

I'm thinking you should be okay.
The reason it requires venting here is due to condensation in the winter when it gets 30 below for a week at a time.

Might want to wait and get another opinion from somebody more local.