| What
is the attic? |
It
is the space that is comprised between the
ceiling and the roof of your house. The attic is unfortunately the
source of many problems if poorly insulated and/or poorly ventilated. |
| |
| Inner
roof problems |
- Infiltration of water due to the
accumulation of ice on the roof edges;
- Seepage on the walls;
- Chipping of paint;
- Appearance of patches on top of
walls and ceiling;
- Appearance of mold on top of the walls;
- Premature wear of the roof shingles
|
| |
| The
solution |
We
must ensure that air circulates freely and
sufficiently in the attic. The soffits are perforated with numerous
small holes and it's not just for appearance. It is through these
holes that the air must come in and then out through roof vents
(maximum). See drawing (forthcoming). |
| |
| Why
should air circulate in the attic (in-roof)? |
- This reduces overheating during
summer helping to prolong
the life of roof shingles;
- It may be that after carefully
seal air leaks from the house,
water vapor can still penetrate
in the attic. Ventilation is
then your second defense
against them;
- Also a well ventilated and colder attic
avoids ice accumulation along the eaves,
causing water infiltration
during thaw period.
|
It
is therefore important to ensure that existing vents (soffits, maximum
or grid gable) of the roof work well and are not blocked by insulation
products. |
Even
if your ceiling is well sealed, the National Building Code recommends
a minimum
ventilation. It is advisable to consult a specialist to determine
the type of vent, the number and the locations where they must be
installed. |
Although
the vents are important, they alone
cannot solve the problems of condensation. Air leaks must first
be sealed. |
