I've owned my house for three years now, and I noticed that the upstairs gets really hot during summer. The previous owner added a ridge vent and sealed the gable vents when the roof was replaced, but I also have soffit vents with only small openings (3-inch holes every 3-5 feet). I'm considering adding insulation from R22 to about R45-R50. Should I reopen the gable vents and install a powered fan? Or do I need to create more openings in the soffit for better airflow?
3 Answers
Check out a vent calculator to ensure you have a clear airflow from the soffits to the ridge. If your soffits have solid planks with just a few small holes, adding more could really help. Continuous strip vents are tough to add later. Remember, boosting your insulation will also make a significant difference in keeping your house cool.
Whether you need to adjust the gable vents depends on your climate and the specific details of your attic ventilation system. Mixing different exhaust systems can create airflow issues, so it's best to focus on insulation if you're not facing moisture problems.
It's essential to seal and properly insulate your attic floor. The heat in your upstairs isn't just about venting; the main goal of attic ventilation is to manage humidity. So, focusing on sealing might give you better results.