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Attic Ventilation Do’s and Don’ts |Koala Insulation of Tallahassee|Ta

Your attic is crucial to controlling your home's energy efficiency.  Adequate attic insulation is the first step in governing the attic temperature.  Traditional residential construction design makes use of a vented attic space. The home is separated into 2 types of spaces.  A conditioned space (heated and cooled) and a non-conditioned space (the attic).  The traditional attic is intended to allow air to flow through vents in the soffit, roof ridge and or with fans.  This airflow allows the heat of the summer to escape your home and controls the humidity level.  Over time, these vents and fans can become clogged or damaged. Inadequate air flow in the attic can allow temperatures to soar above 140 degrees in our area. This directly impacts your energy cost as well as your air quality. With most A/C ductwork run through the attic; your air handler must work much harder to cool the air.  In addition, lack of proper attic ventilation can cause condensation resulting in a serious mold problem and wood rot.  Prolonged moisture exposure may damage your insulation reducing the energy efficiency.  Learn how to optimize your attic's performance, lower your energy spending, and reduce your carbon footprint.

Do:

Check the insulation periodically.

Over time, attic insulation becomes compressed or damaged. Check the quality annually at a minimum.  Most areas require a minimum insulation level of R-38, that is about 13 inches deep. If the insulation material is below or level with the joists, your contractor must replenish it. If left untreated, the humidity and heat rising toward your roof will undoubtedly cause moisture to accumulate in your home’s structure, leading to mold growth and wood rot. 

Fix leaks.

If there are cracks, gaps, and holes around your lights, bathroom vents, wiring and plumbing, your conditioned air will leak out into the attic and moist outdoor air can seep into your home. This reduces the efficacy of your ventilation and insulation, as well as your HVAC system. Caulk or seal every opening that you find in your walls, floors, and ceiling.

Don’t:

Overlook less obvious areas.

Ceiling, floor, and wall insulation are typically easy to install. However, proper attic insulation often includes less obvious areas. 

For example, many homeowners neglect knee walls, a short wall that holds up the rafters as well as platforms, walkways, and skylight wells. Insulation gaps in these areas can result in moisture gathering in your vents or uneven distribution of airflow. Call your contractor if the insulation is missing or needs to be replaced.

Address the insulation or ventilation yourself.

Insulation installation and ventilation repair are common DIY projects among homeowners. However, without proper training, it’s easy to choose an ineffective material or misjudge the needed amount of insulation. Some steps of the ventilation repair process are even dangerous. To ensure that the job is done thoroughly and safely, leave the task to an experienced insulation contractor.

If you suspect that it's time to upgrade your attic's insulation and ventilation, contact Koala Insulation of Panama City and Tallahassee in Tallahassee, FL. Family-owned and operated, they've tackled countless home improvement projects while offering a lifetime workmanship warranty. Learn more today and call (850) 347-5077 or visit them online to book an estimate