Attic Temperature Too Hot

Note excessive heat.

Attic temperature too hot. If hot air is allowed to sit in your attic it could overheat the shingles on your roof and cause damage. An overheated attic can bake asphalt shingles on the roof and cause them to deteriorate. In addition hot air in your attic could increase moisture levels which could result in wood rot and mold growth. Poor insulation is usually the culprit although if you enter the attic on sunny winter day your attic space can be warmed by the sun more than your furnace.

If your attic soars above 100 degrees and reaches the 150 mark its time to consult professionals. An unventilated attic can reach 150 degrees in the heat of summer 50 degrees higher than it should be. Using insulation only keeps the attic s heat from traveling through your home. Ideal attic temperatures shouldn t be more than 10 to 20 degrees hotter than outside temperatures.

That is certainly too hot but how hot is ok. Unless your roofing system has insulation on the roofing deck and is designed without ventilation your furnace should not be heating your attic. But by adding powered attic fans you will draw more air into the attic. If it s 90 degrees outside the attic temperatures shouldn t.

Having a properly vented attic is the best way to keep attic cool because it allows the hot air to escape during the summer. Thanks to the radiant heat affect attic temperatures on a 100 degree day can reach 170 degrees or more. And it can cause your air conditioner to work harder than it needs to and send your energy bills soaring with the temperature. Whether it s 110 f or 130 f there s not much difference in the amount of heat flowing from the attic to the living space below.

Hang pencil and paper next to the thermometer and record the outdoor and attic temperatures for several hot days. At the very best conventionally ventilated attics can never be cooler than the outside air temperature.