Air Vent Products

Intake and Exhaust "Ventilate" comes from the Latin word for "to fan." Simply put, it's the action of moving air. Out with the hot. In with the cool. And that's exactly how ventilation works. It provides conditions that allow air to flow. Every time stale, overheated air in your home or attic is vented out and fresh air is pulled in to replace it, you have what is known as an "air exchange."

But ventilation is much more than a simple breeze blowing through your house. It's a process that provides a steady, high volume of air movement. Think about it as a system of components, all sized and positioned to provide constant intake and exhaust of air.

Selecting Effective Ventilation

There are a number of variables to consider when selecting the most effective ventilation system for your home. Before you make any decisions, go up into your attic and take a look around. A sure sign of poor ventilation is an unbearably hot attic in the summer. Another thing to check is evidence of moisture, such as mold, mildew, rusted nail heads, damp or compressed insulation or wood rot.

Once you've completed a general inspection of your attic, look for ventilation systems already in place, such as gable vents or roof louvers. Note the size and locations of each. Do the same with intake vents, including soffit and eave vents.

Finally, make an estimate of the square footage of your attic. Most are slightly larger than the size of one floor in your home. You'll need this figure to make sure you install adequate ventilation.