Venting Victorian Attic For Living Space

A guide to convert attic space to living space guidelines to converting attic to living space.

Venting victorian attic for living space.

To choose the proper ventilation system for your attic you ll first need to know the total area of your attic. One reason for the lack of agreement over attic ventilation is the tremendous variation in climate across north america. When the attic becomes part of the home to be heated and cooled open wall gable vents and. If you see dampness or frost you need better roof ventilation and some attic vents.

Most building codes require a ratio of 1 150 ventilation space to attic floor space. Things have been ok low energy bills house very comfortable. Told that the 2 attic power vents are the only attic ventilation i have the house does have vented soffits every other soffit cover is vented. No matter what ventilation system you go with make sure there s one square foot of venting area for every 300 square feet of floor space.

Soffit vents these are vents installed on the bottom side of the eaves in your attic. Ventilation of attic spaces is required by most building codes as well as by roofing material manufacturers and the national roofing contractors association nrca. The federal housing administration recommends 1 square foot of attic ventilation for every 150 square feet of attic space. You can also contact your local municipality to check on building code in your area.

Help purchased home 8 years ago with 2 power attic vents. Noticed one of the attic vents was not working. One way is by working within the home s existing footprint and converting the attic into living space. This will help keep the hot attic air from heating your living space.

These work well with attic spaces that double as living quarters and would pair well with windows and skylights. However this is not a project for the average diy person as there are many specifications to be met. Warm air that escapes living space also carries moisture that will condense on rafters or roof sheathing. Divide the attic s square footage by 150.

Grab a flashlight and inspect your attic during the winter. With full home additions costing 75 000 minimum and usually far higher many homeowners search for creative ways to increase living space without overly decreasing their bank account. Install attic insulation with an r factor of at least 19. For instance attic ventilation is used widely in cold climates to evacuate the warm moist air that escapes from the living space below.

Rarely will you find a building practice that works everywhere. Cost building requirements.