How to Ventilate an Attic Without Soffits: 7 Ways
- 1. Install Gable Vents Many people who think about installing gable vents slightly cringe at the thought of them. ...
- 2. Install Eyebrow Vents Gable vents are great, but as far as construction goes, they can be a big undertaking. ...
- 3. Use a Venting Drip Edge ...
- 4. Use a Shingle-Over Intake Vent ...
- 5. Add Wind Turbines ...
- 6. Incorporate Power Fans ...
- 7. Add Effective Insulation ...
- Install low gable vents located above the top level of the attic ceiling insulation.
- Use “eye-brow” vents that are on the top of the sloping roof surface near the soffit/eave area.
- Focus on the other ventilation you have in the attic.
What is best type of venting for a roof?
Types Of Roof Vents
- Continuous / Individual Soffits. Soffit vents are made of aluminum or vinyl and are one of the most popular intake vents. ...
- Ridge Vents. ...
- Wind Turbine Vents. ...
- Gable Vents. ...
- Power Vents. ...
- Box Vents (Low Profile Vents) Designed to work with open attics, box vents are low profile additions installed over holes cut into the roof.
- Cupola Vents. ...
- Greenhouse Vents. ...
How to install a vent pipe through a roof?
Vent exhaust fans through a roof hood
- Roof vent hood details. The best exhaust fan venting is through smooth, rigid ducts with taped joints and screwed to a special vent hood.
- Installing a Vent Hood on the Roof. Start in the attic and drill a hole through the roof in the desired vent location. ...
- Apply asphalt roof cement
How to install soffit vents in 7 steps?
How to Install Soffit Vents Step 1: Create Two Parallel Lines. Start by using a chalk reel to snap two parallel lines in the middle of the soffit. Space the lines 2 in. the distance, allow the hole to overlap the cut ½ in. on each edge. Step 2: Cut the Parallel Lines. Photo by Merle Henkenius
Which roof vent is more efficient?
The new DryerJack is the most efficient. The position and curvature of the damper, combined with hood size, optimize airflow to such a degree that laboratory tests confirm only the most marginal reduction in airflow. Terminating the shorter duct run with a DryerJack helps venting through the roof deliver on the promise this shorter route offers.
Where to install low gable vents?
Where do you vent the air in the attic?
What is an attic vent?
What vents can be used in the attic?
Can you use eyebrow vents as intake vents?
Do I need a vent in the attic?
Can you mix attic vents with active fans?
See 2 more
How do you vent a roof with no overhangs?
If there is no roof overhang (eaves, or soffit) the alternatives are to add a Hicks Starter vent or similar product, or lower roof spot vents (less effective). Or to give up on a vented roof and go to a hot roof design.
Can you have ridge vents without soffit vents?
If there is no soffit venting, the ridge vent has no option but to pull air from the other side of the ridge vent.
Do all roofs need soffit vents?
So, does my roof need soffit vents? A roof may need soffit vents if there is no other ventilation allowing for adequate air movement. However, if the attic space is properly sealed and insulated, there is no need for this type of ventilation.
Do you have to have soffits?
Your home can have an eave without being enclosed by a soffit, but it can't have a soffit without an eave. Older homes and some new construction homes with insulated roofs have exposed — or open-rafter — eaves where the rafters of the eaves are visible. In that case, soffits are not necessary.
What happens if you dont vent soffit?
Many years ago, home builders were simply unaware of the importance of attic ventilation—this is why some older homes don't even have soffits. Inadequate attic venting can lead to premature aging of roofing shingles, may warp wood sheathing, and increase HVAC costs.
Is a ridge vent better than roof vents?
Roofing contractors consider ridge vents to be the most preferred option when ventilating the roof of any home. Ridge vents are less invasive than other vent types while remaining the most cost-effective and energy-efficient compared to other roof vent types.
What happens if a roof is not vented?
They say that poor or non-existent ventilation might cause attic temperatures to rise to 150 degrees or higher in the summer. That can lead to damaged shingles and other roofing materials as well as a buildup of condensation and development of mildew and mold.
What happens if your attic is not vented?
Q. What happens if your attic is not vented? If an attic is not properly ventilated, whether caused by a lack of vents or blocked vents, ice dams can form in winter, the HVAC system can become overworked, indoor air quality can be affected, and the roof sheathing can begin to rot.
What is the best ventilation for a roof?
Soffit vents are a favorite amongst home builders and roofers because they are unquestionably the most effective intake vent for the cost. If a home's style allows for it, most new construction builders include soffit vents in their home's blueprint.
Why is a soffit necessary?
Functionally, the basic mission of soffit is to protect rafters from the elements. Keeping moisture away from the rafters reduces the chance of mold, and helps preserve the life of the materials. Aesthetically, soffit is an easy way to add character.
Do I need soffit vents if I have gable vents?
Should I Add Soffit Vents? If your home is fitted solely with small gable-end vents or a ventilator high in the roof, you might want to consider adding soffit vents to increase airflow. These vents allow outside air to enter the attic at the lowest point of the roof—along the underside of the eave.
Do all roofs have soffits?
The soffit is the material between the eaves of your roof, where the fascia and gutters are connected to the wall. It's often placed by the overhang of your home, and roofs that don't have overhangs usually do not have soffits installed in them.
Do you need roof vents if you have a ridge vent?
Some types of air ventilation systems rely on other pieces of equipment to work properly. While roof ridge vents can work alongside box vents or soffit vents, they also do not need these other vents to operate. Ridge vents effectively release moisture from your home, greatly reducing the risk of mold or mildew.
Do I need baffles if I don't have soffit vents?
But not all homes have an overhanging roof line or soffit vents. Without them it is actually easier to insulate your attic, because you do not have to worry about covering up the vents or installing rafter baffles to ensure the vents breathe.
Do I need soffit vents if I have gable vents?
Should I Add Soffit Vents? If your home is fitted solely with small gable-end vents or a ventilator high in the roof, you might want to consider adding soffit vents to increase airflow. These vents allow outside air to enter the attic at the lowest point of the roof—along the underside of the eave.
Can you just have soffit vents?
The first are called continuous soffit vents. They come in long, narrow vents that run the full length of your soffit. These are best suited for narrow eaves, but can be used on any home. Individual vents are more common, and are cut to fit in between your soffit joists.
Where to install low gable vents?
Install low gable vents located above the top level of the attic ceiling insulation. Use “eye-brow” vents that are on the top of the sloping roof surface near the soffit/eave area. Focus on the other ventilation you have in the attic. If you are installing a new roof, consider a drip edge vent. This will allow air to come in under the edge ...
Where do you vent the air in the attic?
Typically you would have a gable vent on each end of the attic. Normal vented air likes to enter the attic lower down (near the bottom third of the attic ) and as it passes through, it will exit higher up near the top third of the attic space. If you have an attic with no soffit vents but 2 unobstructed gable vents, ...
What is an attic vent?
The standard intake vent for attics is a soffit vent (also sometimes referred to as an “eave vent”) and it allows for air to enter the attic down low, near the eaves. Intake air is critical to maintaining a proper flow of air throughout the attic space.
What vents can be used in the attic?
Various exhaust vents can be used in conjunction with low gable vents and “eye-brow” inlets. For example, you can use ridge vents, mushroom cap vents, upper gable end vents/fans, high mounted attic fans, etc. Remember, your main goal is to get air moving through the attic by entering the attic space down low near the overhang/eave level ...
Can you use eyebrow vents as intake vents?
If a gable vent seems like too big of a commitment or undertaking, consider smaller eyebrow vents that are mounted low on the roof slow so they can act as intake vents. Remember, you want more entry points at the perimeter (bottom) edge of the roof than you want at the exit points at the top of the roof. Most people have plenty of exhaust vents but not nearly enough *intake* vents.
Do I need a vent in the attic?
Even without soffit venting, it is important to provide an air gap at the soffit level to help keep the roof deck dry. For more information on ventilation and moisture control, read this article I wrote on Proper Attic Ventilation. It’s my position that you should have a proper ventilation system in your attic and that you should always take the time to air seal the floor of the attic (sealing off the living space from the non-conditioned attic space), but in cases where you don’t (or aren’t able to), I want to offer some information and direction.
Can you mix attic vents with active fans?
Air enters low and then escapes out of the attic higher up near the peak of the roof, usually via a ridge vent, an attic fan (which we do not recommend), static roof vents, or a high-mounted gable vent/fan. Remember, it’s a bad idea to mix exhaust vent types (passive vents with active fans). More info that here: Proper Attic Ventilation.
Where do vents go under shingles?
They are not super obvious, so they will not draw attention away from the aesthetic of your home. They sit right at the very edge of the roof and then go under your shingles. Even better, if you live in an area that is prone to lots of snow and ice, these are great options since they are protected by the shingle and are not directly exposed to the elements. You do not see them and they work like a charm – double points for you!
How to stop air from escaping from attic?
Take the goods off the floor of your attic and put some insulation down, this will make the biggest difference. 1. Choose the Right Type of Insulation.
What is drip edge vent?
Using a venting drip edge is a very common alternative for those who do not have existing soffit vents or simply do not have the right roof layout to add them. A venting drip edge is actually pretty easy to install as well and very often, only takes a little bit of grappling with your roof to get the job done. Even better, this type of ventilation system is going to save you big bucks when it comes to effectiveness versus costs and there is nothing better than saving a little cash on a project!
Why is hot air rising in the attic?
Because hot air rises, if you have an improperly insulated attic, that hot air is able to escape through the attic and thus, out of your home.
Where are gable vents located?
Gable vents are not as horrifying as they sound. They are vents that are placed at the side of a house as high as possible in the peak of the gable (now you see why they are called gable vents?). They work as intake and exhaust vents depending on which way the wind is blowing, so they do have a nice dual function. Because of where they are located on the roof, they do very well at allowing heat to escape from them, which obviously fares your attic well.
Is ventilation a must?
Even though ventilation is a must, there is one more thing that is going to keep your home protected and get your attics ventilation functioning at peak performance: insulation. Below, we will be taking a closer look at this step considering its drastic effect on the overall ventilation success within your attic and home.
Do gable vents work?
Who wants a big, bulky vent smack on the side of their home bringing the most attention to the roof of their house? They may seem like an eye-sore, but modern technology has afforded homeowners some very aesthetically pleasing options that won’t distract from the beauty of your home, can blend in with your siding or brick, and work well to keep the attic ventilated.
Does active ventilation help with ice dams?
Active ventilation would be more likely to create rather than solve ice dam problems, and may even cause other problems .
Can you build an unvented roof?
It's possible to build an unvented roof (one without soffit vents or ridge vents) that performs well. Here is a link to an article that explains the right way to build an unvented insulated roof assembly: How to Build an Insulated Cathedral Ceiling.
Replies
You came to the right/wrong place to ask that question. Before the sh*t hits your attic fan dig into the archives here at 'breaktime' and read up on attic venting . . .there's a lot to read.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
What to do if there is no roof overhang?
If there is no roof overhang (eaves, or soffit) the alternatives are to add a Hicks Starter vent or similar product, or lower roof spot vents (less effective). Or to give up on a vented roof and go to a hot roof design.
Why do I run a ridge vent on my roof?
Instead of replacing what was an entire roof vent that was 8in in diameter I ran a ridge vent to give the roof more ventalation. When the winter came water came in under my plumbing stack which was a new seal installed correctly with the roof.
What is smart vent?
The Smart Vent™ by DCI roof intake venting provides an intake at the lower edge of roof decking for difficult cases. See www.dciproducts.com/html/smartvent.htm
Why do I close the vent boot at night?
I closed and sealed the opening at night to prevent dew or a sudden rain from wetting the roof cavity.
Can I tear off shingles at foam board?
I will tear off shingles at foam board. Frame with 2×4s and spray foam cavities and cover with plywood and re shingle.
Can you add a Hicks starter to a roof?
You can add a Hicks starter vent or equivalent to get air in at the lower roof edge and a ridge vent up high on the roof, but that may leave some areas of jack rafters along the valley with no air intake.
Can a cape cod have a roof overhang?
buildings such as the cape Cod shown at page top may be constructed with no roof overhang whatsoever.
What if you have no soffits vents?
But what if your roof doesn’t have an overhang with soffits and thus space for installing soffit vents?
Where do you put a vent in the attic?
Unobstructed Gable vents installed on either side of the roof between the level of the shingles/ water barrier and the ceiling insulation of the attic might work. However, normal vented air likes to enter the attic lower down on the first third of the roof.
What is the best intake vent?
The best intake vent is a soffit vent for air to circulate under your roof and be exhausted by a ridge vent. If you need to adapt the system, it is possible, as discussed but do not expect the same results as you would have had with soffit vents in combination with a ridge vent. Some or a combination of alternatives might give you results that are close to ideal.
How does a ridge vent work?
Under normal circumstances, a ridge vent works in a similar way to a chimney. The ridge vent creates a draft, and the air is sucked in through the soffits and exhausted through the ridge vent. This air movement takes place along the way of least resistance, and air entering the soffits will move between the shingles/water barrier/plywood and the ceiling insulation of the attic ceiling until they are exhausted by the ridge vent. The system works marvelously to keep the air temperature below the roof as close as possible to the ambient temperature, and thereby, the attic is kept cooler.
What is drip edge vent?
Drip edge vents are small cavities between the shingles/water barrier and the attic ceiling insulation that will intake air for your (exhaust) ridge vent.
How hot should the attic be?
Your attic temperature should be within 10 degrees of the ambient temperature if your ventilation is adequate. You might be required to staple a radiant barrier on top of the rafters to get the ideal temperature.
Can ridge vents work without soffit vents?
Ridge vents can work without soffit vents, however, this won’t be very energy efficient. Without soffit vents, the ridge vents will draw air from some other inlet on the roof like a gable, but this will limit the extent of air circulation in the attic. This can cause an increase in heat loss from the house due to natural convection.
Where to install low gable vents?
Install low gable vents located above the top level of the attic ceiling insulation. Use “eye-brow” vents that are on the top of the sloping roof surface near the soffit/eave area. Focus on the other ventilation you have in the attic. If you are installing a new roof, consider a drip edge vent. This will allow air to come in under the edge ...
Where do you vent the air in the attic?
Typically you would have a gable vent on each end of the attic. Normal vented air likes to enter the attic lower down (near the bottom third of the attic ) and as it passes through, it will exit higher up near the top third of the attic space. If you have an attic with no soffit vents but 2 unobstructed gable vents, ...
What is an attic vent?
The standard intake vent for attics is a soffit vent (also sometimes referred to as an “eave vent”) and it allows for air to enter the attic down low, near the eaves. Intake air is critical to maintaining a proper flow of air throughout the attic space.
What vents can be used in the attic?
Various exhaust vents can be used in conjunction with low gable vents and “eye-brow” inlets. For example, you can use ridge vents, mushroom cap vents, upper gable end vents/fans, high mounted attic fans, etc. Remember, your main goal is to get air moving through the attic by entering the attic space down low near the overhang/eave level ...
Can you use eyebrow vents as intake vents?
If a gable vent seems like too big of a commitment or undertaking, consider smaller eyebrow vents that are mounted low on the roof slow so they can act as intake vents. Remember, you want more entry points at the perimeter (bottom) edge of the roof than you want at the exit points at the top of the roof. Most people have plenty of exhaust vents but not nearly enough *intake* vents.
Do I need a vent in the attic?
Even without soffit venting, it is important to provide an air gap at the soffit level to help keep the roof deck dry. For more information on ventilation and moisture control, read this article I wrote on Proper Attic Ventilation. It’s my position that you should have a proper ventilation system in your attic and that you should always take the time to air seal the floor of the attic (sealing off the living space from the non-conditioned attic space), but in cases where you don’t (or aren’t able to), I want to offer some information and direction.
Can you mix attic vents with active fans?
Air enters low and then escapes out of the attic higher up near the peak of the roof, usually via a ridge vent, an attic fan (which we do not recommend), static roof vents, or a high-mounted gable vent/fan. Remember, it’s a bad idea to mix exhaust vent types (passive vents with active fans). More info that here: Proper Attic Ventilation.
