My Attic Is Extremely Hot

An unventilated attic can reach 150 degrees in the heat of summer 50 degrees higher than it should be.

My attic is extremely hot.

The natural air flow created by a properly vented attic will move hot air out of the home. Though most newer homes have extensive vapor barriers to keep living space moisture from getting into the attic leakage around recessed light fixtures and bathroom vents still allow some moisture to enter the attic. Overcome the hot attic effect with the right home improvements even if your attic is too cold in the winter it s likely that the temperature inside your attic will still be higher than the temperature outside during summer months. An attic needs to be ventilated or you will drastically reduce the life of the shingles and roof deck too.

The best is soffit vents all around and a power ventilator close to the ridge pole. Excessive heat deteriorates items you store in the attic and can cause moisture. Whether it s 110 f or 130 f there s not much difference in the amount of heat flowing from the attic to the living space below. Just make sure the ceiling is airtight and fully insulated and the temperature in the attic doesn t matter much.

It s important to remember that there are lots of different types of attic ventilation. It works together with the attic insulation which will ensure hot air does not enter the attic from outside. The attic is a huge determinant in keeping your entire home cool so the first place to start cooling your home should be the attic. Ventilation is important to give moisture within the attic a way to escape.

A thick insulation between 14 to 18 inches will help reduce heat from entering your home. A hot attic is bad for several reasons. Not the overabundance but the lack of insulation in the attic. An overheated attic can bake asphalt shingles on the roof and cause them to deteriorate.

Roof shingles absorb a great deal of the sun s heat especially if they re dark in color. Within the attic insulation is a must. You can t have too much ventilation. It will always be hot in the attic if it is warm outside.

High temperatures inside your attic shorten the life span of shingles.