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Posted by PPS on October 4, 2006, 7:18 pm
> Maybe some folks may call this oversimplification, but I have a simple
> rule of thumb. If you live in a hot climate, you need to ventilate the
> attic.
I agree, insulate the floor of the attic and "over-ventilate". Ridge vent,
soffit vents -and- some additional round or a power vent. Humid climates can
actually lower the R-value of the insulation in a closed or near closed
attic. It's even more so detrimental in cold climates where the humid air
of the living space acclimates in the insulation.
However in Florida (or any other hot climate) I would go a step further and
use radiant foil on the south and west roof lines. Studies have shown that
the infra-red rays actually lower the cooling costs (dramatically in Az and
states like that.)
> There's no need to seal the attic, hold in the heat, and melt the snow on
> the roof. As you won't have any snow. Also beneficial is using light
> colored roofing as close to white as you can get to reflect the sunlight.
> Color coordinating roof color is not functional. A metal roof is best bet
> against hail. You want to insulate the area between the attic and the
> rooms below in order to separate the cool air below and the warmer air in
> the attic. You want to ventilate the attic to keep the heat down to a
> minimum. A simple ridge vent and soffit vent system can do this well
> without aid of fans. They make ducting, if you will, that will go in the
> soffit vent locations where the rafters meet the top plate. This is
> useful both with batten type insulation and blown-in insulation.
> Humidity is another factor as well. In hot climate areas, you want to
> keep the air moving. High humidity aids in molds. Sealing the attic can
> make a mold chamber.
> --
> Jonny
>
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> rule of thumb. If you live in a hot climate, you need to ventilate the
> attic.