Quick question – I am installing baffles and then mineral wool in my attic for new insulation. My attic currently has soffit vents, ridge vent, and gable vents. I used to have a whole house fan in the attic (which I removed and drywalled over) but I’m assuming the gable vents were to allow for less pressurization of the attic when the house fan was running. I covered the gable vents with some scrap plywood I had laying around. Good choice or no? I’m assuming the soffit and ridge vents are enough to allow for venting. Let me know the hive minds thoughts – thanks
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Replies
As long as you are insulating the attic floor, all the vents are OK. Inadequate vents are a problem. But if you have enough vent area, eave and ridge, more is just better. There is no reason to close off the the Gable vents!
Marvin F. Malm PE (ret)
Ok - is there an issue of pressurization though? I want to imagine a gust of wind on a gable vent can pressurize the attic a lot easier than through the soffit vents. That pressurization is going to show the weak points where air gaps might not be so noticeable right?? It’s like a reverse blower door test. Is venting just venting?
I think wind blowing in a gable end will not be any different than wind blowing in a soffit vent or a ridge vent. Remember you have the same vent area on the other side of the house to let the pressure out. More vent area is better for the house as long as it is more than minimum and fairly well balanced.
Marvin F. Malm PE (ret)