Enough roof ventilation in an old home (zone 1A)?
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| Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on
My 2-story wood-frame stucco was built in 1928. As I look as the other 12 homes built in that pineapple plantation era they all have vented soffits. My soffit area was stuccoed over. I have 3 six inch clay tiles on each side of the gable end roof. How do i get more ventaliation and ultimately cool off the 2nd floor?
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Replies
Joe,
If your second floor is hot during the summer, roof ventilation is not the solution. The usually solutions include: (1) making sure you have a tight air barrier at your second-floor ceiling, and (2) installing a thick layer of insulation above your second-floor ceiling.
You didn't mention whether you have air conditioning or not. But whether you are staying cool with an air conditioner or fans, you still need to follow the advice I gave above -- install a tight air barrier and thick ceiling insulation.
Have A/C. It was installed in 2004 with ductwork in the attic. I now see that the penetrations are not air tight at the vents and ductwork.. I'll attend to that right away. Thanks.
Joe, just to be clear ... an air barrier is more than just sealing the vents and ductwork...
maybe this video will help
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/video-series-home-energy-audit
Joe,
If you have AC with ductwork in the attic, you may have several other problems.
After you (1) air seal your ceiling -- including the problems at the duct penetrations -- and (2) beef up the depth of your attic insulation, you should (3) verify that the duct seams are sealed with mastic, and (4) be sure that your ducts are adequately insulated.