Attic Vent Holes

Many people mistake off ridge vents for box vents and while they are very similar in their functions they do have some differences.

Attic vent holes.

It s one of the more common places bees enter in order to build their hives. It actually makes sense if you think about it. Intake vents located at the lowest part of the roof under the eaves allow cool. This will keep out pests without restricting airflow through the vent holes.

Generally speaking you need a ratio of 1 300 where for every 300 square feet of ceiling space you need 1 square foot of attic ventilation. From the roof the roofer will cut away shingles and underlayment and use a saber saw to cut a hole the same size as the diameter of the vent. In other words the entire vent opening doesn t count as vented space. These vents are static vents that are placed over holes in the roof close to the roof ridge.

Once the swarm is inside the attic they can build a hive in a place that is up high usually deserted and can often go undetected by homeowners. Calculate or enter the square footage of the attic or area to be vented. The answer is to cover the holes with a type of metal mesh called hardware cloth. This cap features both a back draft damper and bird screen preventing outside air from entering the home and birds and small pests from entering duct work.

Adding attic vents is a simple matter of cutting holes and installing vents. Hardware cloth is fairly rigid mesh with heavy gauge wire that is not easily damaged by animals. It is compatible with 3 or 4 ductwork and includes a 3 to 4 adapter for convenience. A roofer will from the attic mark a spot near the ridge of the roof he may first use nails from the attic to mark preferred spots between two rafters.

Unlike box vents which are square off ridge vents are usually much longer and thinner. Square gable vent functions as a decorative accent to your home while providing maximum attic ventilation. Photos 1 6 show how it s done. Buy hardware cloth with 1 8 inch or 1 4 inch openings.

That said air resistance and interference such as vent grates reduces the area of true ventilation. Let owens corning roofing help you calculate exactly how much ventilation you will need for a healthy and balanced attic with our 4 step ventilation calculator. But before you cut any holes plan the locations of the attic vents. Its two piece design is fully compatible with all siding profiles ply gem gable vents are designed to withstand the toughest weather and retain their beauty year after year.

Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents. This ply gem 14 in.