Venting of Attics and Pitched,Insulated Roofs

Abstract

This paper discusses venting of roof constructions in single-family houses. In Norway, roof venting is considered to be crucial in order to prevent ice formation at the eaves and remove excess moisture. This paper is based on temperature and moisture measurements in a test roof with 12 segments, each with a different roof construction. Additional measurements are made in two attics in inhabited dwellings. A computer program has been developed to simulate the temperature conditions in the test roof.

The paper concludes that venting of roof constructions should not be neglected in modern roofing systems in Norway. However, the paper points out that thermal insulation and continuous wind/vapour barriers in the roof are key factors in preventing ice formation.

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References

Blom, P. Venting of insulated, pitched roofs. Dr. thesis, Institute of Building Technology, Norwegian Technical University, Trondheim, 1990. In Norwegian.

tsbi . Thermal Simulation of Buildings and Installations. Danish Building Research Institute, Hørsholm, Denmark. Computer program, Version B20, 1997.

Blom, P. Ventilation of insulated, pitched roof . Proceedings, 2nd Symposium of Building Physics in the Nordic Countries. Trondheim 1990.

Lisø, K.R. , Stenstad, V. Moisture-proof insulated, pitched wooden roofs. Project report 266/2000. Norwegian Building Research Institute, Oslo, 2000. In Norwegian.