Wednesday 25 November 2015

Keeping Your House Properly Ventilated

Proper interior ventilation is important to ensure comfort and good health of your family. It helps you rid your house of smoke, moisture, indoor pollutants and cooking odors. Structural ventilation regulates heat levels inside the attic, reduces dampness in the basement and crawlspace, and keeps the moisture away from uninsulated walls.

Interior ventilation

Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries are major contributors towards moisture and odors. It is important to have three main exhaust units: bathroom exhaust fan, laundry exhaust fans and exterior-venting range hoods.

Most kitchens have range hoods that only "filter" and recycle the stovetop air rather than venting it out. It's recommended that you get rid of the smoky, greasy, steamy air with the help of proper ductwork. If the walls are covered in grease or the kitchen is smelly, you require an exterior-venting exhaust fan.

Airborne grease can make exhaust fans sticky, attracting dust and dirt. Clean the fan and grill blades two times a year, or every time they begin to look dirty. The filters need cleaning every few months or so, and the housing and the fan need a thorough cleaning bi-annually.

Structural ventilation

Having proper ventilation inside the crawlspace and the attic is important, in order to keep moisture and heat from rotting and roasting your house over a period of time.

It is important to create an upward air flow within the attic. Cool air flows inside through vents and out through the vents closer to the roof. The subarea and the attic may become tropical, if crud, insulation, or dead squirrels create blockages in the vents, or if there are not enough vents. Condensed water may soak the insulation, rendering it ineffective. Condensation from below and above can make its way in the house, ruining floor, ceiling, and wall finishes. In case you notice that the vents are blocked, clean them immediately.

Roof ventilation

If your attic is humid and hot during the summer, you may require installation of additional vents at the ridge and eaves of the roof. Make sure every single screen and vent is painted (to prevent any deterioration) and that every screen is secured to the vent’s frame. Damaged vents must be replaced. Robust vent screens prevent varmints of any kind from settling inside your attic.

Foundation ventilation

Moist air can lead to decay in the crawlspace. If the crawlspace is always moist and damp, or if there is mildew on the structure or walls, you may require better ventilation.

Extra vents can be difficult to install and may need special tools to slice through concrete block, lumber, brick and concrete. Do not poke holes inside the foundation. Instead call up a professional contractor to do the work for you.

Ventilation is as important as insulation to keep the house from damage. By following the ideas given above, you will keep your house in good, livable working condition. You will be happy that the walls, ceiling and circuit wires are well protected.