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Abstract
Current model buiding codes require attic ventilation in all US climates. Originally, these requirements were strictly based on concerns for condensation in attics during winter in cold climates, and they were based on limited technical information. Nevertheless, attic ventilation has become the uncontested strategy to minimize condensation and ice dams during winter and extreme attic temperatures during summer. However, other strategies exist that address each of these problems as well as or better than attic ventilation. This paper examines issues such as summer attic temperature, ice dams, and shingle durability and discusses the relative merits of attic ventilation comparred to alternative design approaches in various climates. The authors support current recommendations for attic ventilation be treated as a design option in warm, humid climates.
Current model buiding codes require attic ventilation in all US climates. Originally, these requirements were strictly based on concerns for condensation in attics during winter in cold climates, and they were based on limited technical information. Nevertheless, attic ventilation has become the uncontested strategy to minimize condensation and ice dams during winter and extreme attic temperatures during summer. However, other strategies exist that address each of these problems as well as or better than attic ventilation. This paper examines issues such as summer attic temperature, ice dams, and shingle durability and discusses the relative merits of attic ventilation comparred to alternative design approaches in various climates. The authors support current recommendations for attic ventilation be treated as a design option in warm, humid climates.
Date
0/1999
0/1999
Author(s)
Anton TenWolds; William Rose
Anton TenWolds; William Rose
Page(s)
Keyword(s)
attic ventilation; venting; cathedral ceiling; condensation; ice dams; shingle durability
attic ventilation; venting; cathedral ceiling; condensation; ice dams; shingle durability