You're definitely on the right track focusing on ventilation and insulation first—smart move. I've played around with both ridge vents and powered attic fans myself. Ridge vents worked pretty well for me, low-maintenance and no electricity needed. Powered fans seemed promising at first, but honestly, the motor burned out after a couple summers...not ideal if you're watching your budget. Might depend on your climate, but ridge vents seem like the safer bet overall.
Totally agree about ridge vents being the safer bet. When we first moved in, our attic was like a sauna—insulation was ancient, and ventilation practically nonexistent. I considered powered fans too, but my neighbor had one installed and complained about the noise and electricity bills creeping up. Ended up going with ridge vents and beefing up insulation instead. Honestly, best decision ever... attic temps dropped noticeably, and our AC doesn't kick on nearly as often. Definitely worth the upfront investment if you're budget-conscious long-term.
Did you notice any difference in winter too? I've heard ridge vents help with ice dams, but my uncle swears by powered fans (despite the noise, lol). Wondering if it's worth nudging him toward ridge vents instead...
- Ridge vents are usually quieter and lower maintenance, but they're not always a silver bullet for ice dams.
- Powered fans can help, but honestly, I've seen them cause more trouble if attic insulation isn't up to par.
- Has your uncle checked his insulation levels lately? Sometimes that's the real culprit behind ice dams, regardless of vent type...
Totally agree about insulation being overlooked. I've seen folks spend big bucks on fancy vents or powered fans, only to find out later their attic insulation was barely there. Honestly, proper insulation is usually the best first step—it's cheaper, simpler, and tackles the root cause. Ridge vents are great for airflow, but they're not magic if heat's escaping into your attic. I'd definitely have him check insulation depth and sealing around fixtures before investing in more ventilation gear...
