What is the best practice for ensuring adequate ventilation in an attic?

Ensuring a balanced intake and exhaust is fundamental for adequate attic ventilation because it promotes proper airflow, which helps regulate temperature and moisture levels within the attic space. This balance means that as warm air rises and exits through exhaust vents, cooler air can enter through intake vents, creating a continuous flow. This helps prevent moisture accumulation, which can lead to mold growth and structural damage, as well as excessive heat build-up that can affect the roof and living spaces below.

Using mechanical systems exclusively may provide ventilation, but it can lead to higher energy costs and might not always be necessary if passive ventilation through natural airflow can be effectively utilized. Relying on only one type of vent limits the amount of airflow and can create pressure imbalances, which may lead to inefficiencies. Similarly, installing vents only on the roof without considering intake sources would disrupt the necessary airflow pattern that requires both intake and exhaust for optimal ventilation.