I just got a new roof installed along with a ridge vent, and I checked the attic temperature. It's hitting 120 degrees while the outside temperature is around 95 degrees (feels more like 100). This reading was taken at 3 PM when it was hottest. Earlier in the morning, it was about 80 degrees outside, and the attic was the same. By the way, I live in a two-story house. Is this temperature normal, or should I be considering better ventilation?
4 Answers
120 degrees? You're lucky! We're hitting around 140 often during the summer where I live in Texas. It sounds like your setup is fairly typical, especially with those older constructions that lack modern ventilation.
Honestly, those numbers don't seem too concerning. Attics can get pretty warm, especially if they're well-insulated. You should be good unless you're experiencing heat-related issues inside the house.
That temperature sounds pretty normal for an attic on a hot day! It's common for it to cool down overnight if your attic is well-ventilated. Plus, attics tend to be at their hottest right after the peak outdoor temperatures.
In my tri-level home, with R65 insulation and plenty of soffit vents, I see about 115 degrees on hot days. Since your numbers are similar, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Sounds about right!