HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT IT’S TRUE. YOU WANT YOUR ATTIC TO BE COOL IN WINTER!
It seems counter intuitive, but it’s true. You want to keep your attic cool in winter. Making sure your attic has sufficient air circulation in winter is very important.
ICE DAMS
Here in the midwest, during the winter, heating systems run day and night in order to keep living space comfortable. The heated air rises up into the attic. When it snows, a warm attic will rapidly melt snow on your roof. The snow melt runs down the roof to the gutters then freezes leading to ice dams. Ice dams are destructive and can lead to costly home repairs. Click here to learn more about ice dams.
ATTIC MOISTURE
Additionally during winter, windows and doors are closed and sealed to keep heat in. All the while household activities including showers, baths, cooking take place daily generating water vapors. The water vapor are carried by the warm air into the attic as well. Without proper air circulation in the attic, moisture vapors condense on hard surfaces and over time can lead to mold, mildew, and wood root.
PROPER ATTIC AIR CIRCULATION
The best way to combat these attic problems during winter is to ensure you have proper attic air circulation including ample intake and exhaust vents. Intake vents at the eave or soffit allow outside air to flow into the attic. Roof vents installed higher on the roof allow warm moist air to exhaust out. An attic fan can be added to dramatically improve air circulation.
LIVING SPACES ARE NOT AFFECTED
Of course it seems odd to cool the space above when you are trying to keep rooms below warm. But don’t worry! If you have sufficient attic insulation, a cool attic will not impact the room temperatures below or cause you to run your heating system more often.
NOT SURE IF YOU HAVE PROPER ATTIC AIR CIRCULATION?
Call us for a free attic assessment today at 630.830.3870!