Vent Information
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Why You Need Attic Ventilation
At first glance it may seem ridiculous to cut holes in the gable ends of your house to let cold air in but Proper Attic Ventilation is an important part of roofing and this is why:
| • | Vents ensure the Temperature differential between the outside air and that in the attic is reduced during summer which results in lower Air Conditioning energy costs and keeps the house cool. Temperatures in an attic space in summer can easily reach 150F or 65C |
| • | Free flow of air through attic spaces is essential to reducing moisture build up. |
| • | Roof decking which is frequently made of plywood can become spongy and rotten and the adhesives between the plywood layers will deteriorate because of condensation build-up - this also results in warping. |
| • | Condensation build-up in attic spaces from inadequately ducted appliances such as washers, dishwashers as well as bath tubs and showers raises the moisture content in the air and also results in the rusting of nails, in fact, the rusting of any metalwork in the attic space. |
| • | Insulation in the attic will trap condensation and this warm damp environment encourages the growth of moulds, mildew and fungus, all potential health hazards to your family. The condensation also reduces the R factor in the insulation. |
| • | The lack of proper ventilation coupled with inadequate insulation can also result in ice dams where the ice backs up under the shingles and causes leaks. |
How Much Attic Ventilation do you need?
The calculation to determine how much attic ventilation you need is straight forward.
| 1. | Calculate the square area of the area to be vented. For example 34ft by 22ft equals 748 sq ft of area. |
| 2. | 1 sq ft of vent area is required for every 300 sq ft of attic area. 748 / 300 = 2.5 sq ft (rounded up) or 360 sq ins. |
| 3. | If soffit venting is present then this figures into the calculation so subtract the vent area afforded by the soffit venting. Typically this is 50-60% of vent area where it's been used. For the purposes of this example let's assume 50% in which case you need an extra 180 sq ins of vent area. |
| 4. | When calculating the Net Vent Area of our vents we take the vent area of the vent and divide it by 2.25 to allow for flow interruption from the louvers and insect screen. So an outside diameter 24" x 24" square vent has a possible area of 441 sq ins (21x21 taking into account the casing width of 1.5"). This results in a Net Area of 196 sq ins and will provide all the venting you need for this example. We've included the Net Vent Area of all our standard vents, if you're looking for a custom size then let us know if you'd like us to provide the net vent area calculation as well. |
Attic Vents or Gable End Vents
Gable End Attic Vents are an easy, affordable and practical way of providing a constant supply of air through the attic spaces in any structure and while their use may be utilitarian, the design statement Cedar Attic Vents make enhances the look and appeal of your house or even a barn or garage.
You could use aluminum or plastic but wood offers the advantages of easy installation, the ability to be painted or stained using easily obtainable coverings and are eco-friendly and won't end up occupying landfills a hundred years from now.
All our Attic Gable Vents and Shutters :
You could use aluminum or plastic but wood offers the advantages of easy installation, the ability to be painted or stained using easily obtainable coverings and are eco-friendly and won't end up occupying landfills a hundred years from now.
All our Attic Gable Vents and Shutters :
| • | Are Made of the Highest Grade Kiln Dried Western Red Cedar |
| • | Use Environmentally Safe Adhesives with top rated Exterior Type II qualities for Superior Moisture Resistance. |
| • | Feature 1½" thick Framing to ensure Structural Integrity and Strength. |
| • | Have a Long Life High Strength Glass Fiber Insect Screen already integrated into the Vent. This type of screen is far superior to the mesh and wire grids sometimes found in other products. |
| • | Are delivered right to your home or site Fully Assembled ready for Installation. |
| • | Feature your choice of simple Surface Mount Installation (see our Installation Notes) or with attached Insert Boxes. |
Our "Why Cedar?" section will tell you why Western Red Cedar has been the leading wood species used in all types of outdoor applications for centuries.
