SOFFIT MATTERS
Soffit is an often underestimated element of a home's roofing system and exterior. Yet it plays a critical part in providing proper ventilation for your roofing system and the exterior of your home. For more information read the helpful article below.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF SOFFIT
The following article points to the importance of proper soffit installation and care. Douglas Pencille writes from the perspective of a home inspector. We added the emphasis on 'soffit' throughout.
PROPER ATTIC VENTILATION
by Douglas Pencille (Used by permission)
1. Introduction
Proper attic ventilation is one of the most important yet least understood systems in a house. Attic ventilation is almost always passive in nature, and relies on convective air flow, where cooler air is drawn into soffit vents along the eaves and rises through the attic and passes out the roof vents on top. Both soffit and roof vents can easily become blocked, and should be inspected on a regular basis.
2. Of Vented & Un-vented Attics
Drawings showing how attic ventilation can affect a house in the winter months.
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Figure 1
Improper attic ventilation can lead to higher energy consumption, as an air-conditioner will have to work harder to maintain a constant indoor temperature on the upper floors. Improper attic ventilation and the resulting higher temperatures in the attic space can lead to accelerated shingle deterioration. I have personally measured temperatures as high as 155° F in a poorly vented attic!
Figure 2
In cold weather, proper ventilation helps prevent moisture from condensing on the insulation, structural members, shingles, or on the roof. This will minimize chances for mold growth and will help prolong the life of these components. Proper ventilation, combined with proper insulation, are the keys to reducing the chances of ice-dams forming along the lower roof edge in the winter time. See Proper Attic Insulation for related information.
Please click on the thumbnail images below to expand to full view.
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Ice buildup on underside of roof decking due to improper attic ventilation. Will eventually melt and cause damage to interior components (insulation, drywall, rafters, roof decking, etc.). |
Mold growth in attic due to moisture build up resulting from inadequate venting. Health risks for the inhabitants due to mold, and deterioration of interior components are a real possibility here. |
Ice dams forming along the lower portion of the roof can be attributed to poor attic ventilation and insulation. Presents a risk for water leakage into the house, and damage to components due to dampness & excess weight of ice. |
3. A Typical 1-1/2 Story House
Below are diagrams of the recommended attic ventilation for a typical 1½ story house; one without a dormer, and one with a dormer off the rear. I have included these two diagrams because in my experience, this is the type of house where I see the most attics "finished off" by a homeowner at some point, after the house was built. Very rarely will an adequate ventilation space be provided along the underside of the roof. This usually results in water staining on the drywall ceilings and, eventually deterioration of the roof decking & rafters. You can use the basic principles pointed out here, and apply them to your house.
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- Doug Pencille at www.dspinspections.com