Properly installed HVAC, insulation, roof ventilation, and air sealing can greatly contribute to keeping an attic cool and dry. Here are some Best Practices® to keep the attic cool and dry:

• HVAC. Make sure any ducts running through the attic are sealed. and don’t compress the attic insulation. Also, don’t vent bath fans into the attic or within 3’ of vented soffits.
• Insulation. Ensure that the attic floor has continuous insulation that’s the correct R-value. Install it continuously over and around any attic penetrations, such as IC-rated recessed lights.
• Roof ventilation. The recommended amount of attic ventilation is 1 square foot per 300 square feet of attic area. A system of vents that includes soffit vents, baffles, and ridge vents is the best way to meet this recommendation. Read Jobsite’s related article “Energy-Free Roof Ventilation” for more details.
• Air sealing. Air seal all penetrations into and out of the attic to stop unwanted air, heat, or moisture from entering the attic.

For more Best Practices® in ventilation, sign your team up for Mechanicals: HVAC, an online training course from BuildIQ University.