Finishing out attic space - with Gable and Ridge vent
#1
03-12-19, 05:40 AM
Finishing out attic space - with Gable and Ridge vent
So, I have googled this in every form and fashion and come up with some rather interesting (and complicated) articles that never answer my question. I have an unfinished attic that I would like to finish out into a climate controlled space. It has two windows and 3 gable vents as well as a ridge vent, but no soffit vent as I have no eaves on the house. I want to close off the gable vents and insulate the ceiling but am worried about the condensation/improper ventilation of the attic. I don't think the ceiling will be a suitable height if I were to install a ceiling below the gable vents, although I am not above taking this route. Will a ridge vent suffice or do I need to add some sort of roof vent? I would think the roof vent and ridge vent would kind of counteract one another.
#2
03-12-19, 06:03 AM
Finishing an attic into a conditioned space asks the question, what will it be used for. Although you may have one activity planned the ultimate determination as to what you must do will be made by your local building department. It might be storage to you but they may view it as potential living space, different requirements.
Ceiling height, insulation requirements, egress, access, electrical and plumbing all need to be determined and addressed.
As for ventilation some low venting is usually necessary along with an air gap above all insulation. Going without low venting risks moisture problems as you stated.
Bud
Ceiling height, insulation requirements, egress, access, electrical and plumbing all need to be determined and addressed.
As for ventilation some low venting is usually necessary along with an air gap above all insulation. Going without low venting risks moisture problems as you stated.
Bud
#4
03-12-19, 08:20 AM
Code enforcement and tax collectors often look beyond current intended use towards what a future home owner might want so your best starting point is with that building department to talk about your project. Then iron out details to draw up a plan followed by the permit application. Can be done.
Bud
Bud
#5
03-12-19, 09:20 AM
Group Moderator
Finishing attics is usually a bad idea for more reasons than one. Lack of insulation, lack of ventilation, undersized floor joists, poor climate control, the list goes on. The ceiling joists are sized for a ceiling not a floor.
