Ventilating my roof ?
Question:I have a L-shaped house that is 1024 sq ft. It only has one gable vent, that is maybe 12"x3". The other gable end has a window. Should I remove that window and install a second, maybe larger vent. Also, should I add a couple turbine vents to pull this air out? Undereave vents are not an option here, I have no eaves, and a ridge vent intimidated me.
Answers:
what are your gables made out of? can you cut out an opening and make the existing vent larger? and can you open the window on the other end? a ridge vent shouldn't intimidate you, there are many diff. styles that you can install, but you do need an air intake source. in your case; i would install a louvered attic fan where the vent is now, and open the window at the other gable end. if it's not an operable window, i'd remove it and replace it with a vent louver of the same size. this way, you don't have to even mess with your roof. there is probably a source of power in the attic that could be tapped into, and a switch run down into a hallway below. good luck, hope this offers another option.
Instead of ridge vent, buy rollovent. It unrolls right over the top of where your ridge vent should be cut, nail it over the hole. Then nail cap shingle over top. The job is done. I roofed for five years, it was really easy. Just cut the inital hole with a circular saw(don't hit any wiring)
Sounds like turbine vents are your best bet, but you also need an eave vent for airflow. You might consider another gable vent instead of an eave vent, to get the air moving.
I am an architect. Yes, attic spaces need venting. Go to your local building department, and they will help you by consulting the building code with you to see just what is required in your location. This is free.
You also might be able to get this info from a retailer like Lowe's or Home Depot, but I wouldn't trust a sales person as much as a building official.
I'm partial to the turbines.
on one end of the house you should have a thermostatic fan and the other end should blow the air out. That will give you plenty of air circulation. an average attic is about 130 degrees. the air on the outside will be far below this. The turbine vents that you are talking about are great for the summertime ,drawing hot air out, but terrible for the wintertime as it draws the warm air out causing more energy to be used to heat up your home. that's why you see plastic bags covering them is the winter. you would have to be up one your roof at least once a year.hope this helps good luck.
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