When I heard about the concept of optimised ventilation in offices, I was elated beyond measure. It was heartening to learn that Australians will give their workplace well-being an earnest consideration. Now about homes.
Ventilation like light is just so important. Have you been suffering from near-condensed vapour at the top of your roof in winters? Do you find your homes suffocating with humidity in summers?
Attic ventilation
It is time you did something about the attic ventilation. Our attics are areas through which air travels to and from our rooms. Unless they have well-ventilated ports, you will find your summers high on humidity and winters full of non-uniform cold and hot zones.
Moisture collected at the attic
In absence of attic ventilation, moisture sediments in the lower reaches of your home and makes the home ambience very stuffy. Perfect case for dehumidifiers but even they cannot work too well when your gable or attic ventilation leaves something to be desired.
Mould build-up
In addition, there is the fear of mould build-up. Moulds need moisture as breeding grounds for growth. Unless excess water vapour can find its release through attic ventilation, your home will give moulds just the ideal opportunity to infest.
Just the kind of house where indoor air quality slackens and Sick Building Syndrome develops.
Damage to roof
I have also found that excess water vapour, seeking vent, builds outward pressure on roofs. This can subsequently lead to damaged roof shingles and constant need for replacement.
Rafter vents
My recommendation is to go for the rafter vents. They work perfectly for the Australian climate. Rafter vents are pitched between roof rafters and reach out towards the eaves.
This way, they effectively prevent build-up and collection of moisture around the attic area. You will do well to supplement the vents with insulation, meted out to the corner of the attic floor.
What measures do you use for roof ventilation?