There are many kinds of exploitable vents on a home, but one of the most overlooked are soffit vents. These vents are located under the house's eave, and if they aren't covered properly, animals and insects alike can set up camp and cause thousands of dollars in damage.
Tiny cracks and other damage in air ducts allow pests from your attic and other areas to enter your daily living space. Another way to prevent bugs from coming through air conditioner vents is by completely sealing ductwork. Professional solutions and DIY fixes are available.
These vents are responsible for bringing fresh air into your attic and help maintain proper air circulation throughout your home. Regularly cleaning your soffit vents is crucial for preventing blockages, which can lead to various issues such as increased energy bills, mold, and moisture damage.
To keep pests out of your attic, install mesh screens over vents and openings to prevent insects and rodents from entering. Use rodent barriers around potential entry points to deter larger pests.
While standard vents do offer some airflow, they are much more efficient when soffit screens are installed as well. Soffit vents are typically mounted under the eaves of a house (where the roof extends past the framing). When it comes to DIY home improvement, installing soffit screens is relatively simple.
There are many kinds of exploitable vents on a home, but one of the most overlooked are soffit vents. These vents are located under the house's eave, and if they aren't covered properly, animals and insects alike can set up camp and cause thousands of dollars in damage.
Attic soffit vents should never be covered with insulation. Don't let ice wreak havoc on your roof, gutters and soffit systems this year!
Install coverings over any holes or openings
Install vent covers over soffit vents if they are uncovered. Finally, add heavy-duty steel screens over attic vents. Use U-shaped nails to fasten the screen and be sure to use a screen that does not block airflow.
Clogged soffit vents mean fresh air can't enter your attic, and hot, humid air can't escape either.
Spraying chemicals into your air ducts can pose several risks: Air Quality: The chemicals used in roach sprays can be harmful if inhaled, and spraying them into your vents can circulate these toxins throughout your home. Ineffectiveness: Spraying into vents might not reach the source of the infestation.
The short answer is no, you can't install too many soffit vents. The air is cleaner and there is a nice breeze when the house is properly ventilated. This same practice applies to soffit vents, and it's much better to overventilate than to have air sit in the attic without movement.
Although it's safe to pressure wash soffits, there are few important things to remember: One key point to keep in mind is the water pressure. A high-pressure water blasting can be dangerous for your attic. Water may flow into your attic causing a greater havoc.
You should clean your soffits and fascias once a year to maintain them. However, in bad weather, especially on older houses, your guttering, soffit boards and fascias may need repairing or replacing, even if you work hard to keep them clean.
Roof vents naturally have openings to allow for proper air circulation, making them another way animals get inside an attic. But you can cover these vents and still keep them working effectively. Install a roof vent cover with steel mesh to keep debris and animals out.
You can tell if your soffit vents are working if you conduct a smoke test, and you can see the smoke moving inward, showing that air from the outside is flowing into your attic.
This rule suggests having one square foot of ventilation for every 150 square feet of attic space. It's a simple yet effective starting point that ensures your attic receives the necessary airflow to prevent moisture buildup and temperature imbalances.
Fascia vents, in contrast to soffit vents, which rely on air rising, allow air intake just where the wind is hitting the roof. For homes without soffit vents or for roofs with complicated shapes, over-fascia vents are a better option than soffit vents alone.
Make sure to maintain soffits: Cracks in the material, rotting wood, and holes that allow access into the attic can all attract unwanted pests and lead to moisture damage within your home. Each year, you should survey the perimeter of your home, checking for entry points that might invite wasps and other pests.
Most pests cannot stand the smell of peppermint oil, even though a lot of humans love it. It's also toxic to many insects. Leaving traces of it around the house, particularly in 'hot spots' that tend to attract a lot of pests, can kill some pests and cause others to leave.
We do not recommend fogging in the attic as it typically is not necessary to eradicate pests. When treating for rodents in your attic, you're going to want to use rodent traps or glue boards. We only recommend that you use bait stations outdoors around the exterior foundation of your home.
The unintended consequence of your recently installed roof vents is that your house got colder. In the winter months, warm attic air is vented to the outside through the ridge vents and is replaced by colder outside air sucked in through the soffit vents. In essence there is a mini jet stream in the attic.
Never lay insulation over recessed light fixtures or soffit vents. Keep all insulation at least 3 inches away from "can" lights, unless they are rated IC (Insulated Ceiling). If you are using loose fill insulation, use sheet metal to create barriers around the openings.
Check for damage or cracks
Inspect your fascias and soffits to look for gaps, cracks, or other damage indicators. These cracks could let water leak in and cause rotting or decomposition. Addressing any problems as soon as you become aware of them is critical.