How does a Ventilating Cupola provide Attic Ventilation?
Posted: Thursday, October 08, 2009
by Elda Titus
Prairie Rose Country
"More gold has been mined from the thoughts of men than has been taken from the earth." By Napoleon Hill
The American Institute of Architects estimates 90 % of U.S. high levels of moisture in the homes.
Adding a cupola provides passive ventilation to the roof allowing trapped heat to escape with a natural flow in an upward direction through the sides of the cupola.
According to studies conducted by the U.S. Dept. of Energy and the heating and cooling engineers support the benefits of roof ventilation.
Insufficient ventilation can lead to moisture problems during the winter and decreased energy efficiency in the summer.
In an unventilated attic the roof sheathing may reach a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit when the outside temperature is in the 90's.
The direct sunlight heats the attic as heat radiates from the roof. This is then transmitted through the roofing material to the attic floor or the top surface of the ceilings insulation, causing the attic air to become heated.
The attic floor then acts as a "hot plate," radiating warm air in the rooms below, causing an increase in your air conditioning requirements.
A ridge vent, such as a functional cupola, helps provide air circulation in the attic and allows for excessive attic air to escape through its sides on the top of the roof.
Suffit vents found along the bottom perimeter of the attic space, work well when used in conjunction with ridge vents to promote the circulation of attic air.
Preventing moisture damage in colder climates is a larger benefit then in warmer climates.
Attic ventilation is required in colder climates to evacuate the warm, moist air that builds from the living space below. This air can condense causing the roof sheathing to rot.
Ventilation circulates air which helps prevent ice dams, which form when warm air in the attic melts the snow and creates run off that refreezes on the colder eave.
Suffit vents allow air to enter the attic at the lowest point of the roof. They are more effective when used in conjunction with a continuous ridge vent, such as a cupola.
Adding a cupola to the roof allows a way for trapped heat to escape, by providing a natural flow in an upward direction through the sides of a cupola. Cupolas provide passive ventilation by releasing the warm air while bringing in cool air.
Cupolas were originally designed for functionality, as a ventilating system. Today there has been a rebirth of interest in cupola for decorative architectural accent as well as the functional aspect of ventilation, and are placed on the roof tops of houses, garages, businesses.
Cupolas not only improves the attic ventilation they provide an eye-catching exterior focal point which adds warmth, tradition and a little country charm that will add value to your property for years to come.
Copyright (c) 2009 Elda Titus
--------
Elda Titus, owner of Prairie Rose Country, an on-line business selling cupolas and weathervanes. Cupolas will beautify any structure. The results of your cupola design will leave viewers with a sense of awe and admiration. To discuss with you the design and functionality of a cupola contact:>
http://prairierosecountry.com
This Article has been viewed 128 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.