Sometimes it feels like you’re just managing the problem, not solving it.
That’s exactly how it feels. I’ve done the whole routine—baffles, blown-in cellulose, air sealing, you name it—but if there’s even a little bit of snow melt and the gutters freeze up, water finds a way. Have you tried heat cables along the eaves? I was skeptical but they actually helped last year, though I’m not wild about relying on them. Curious if anyone’s had luck with different venting setups—ridge vents vs. gable vents, for example?
Heat cables were a lifesaver for me during that brutal ice dam winter a few years back, but I totally get not wanting to depend on them. I’ve messed around with both ridge and gable vents—honestly, ridge vents paired with plenty of soffit vents made the biggest difference in my old 1960s ranch. Gable vents alone just didn’t cut it, especially when the wind wasn’t blowing right. Still had to stay on top of insulation gaps, though... seems like there’s always one more spot you missed.
I hear you on the ridge and soffit vent combo—definitely the gold standard for most setups, especially in older homes. But I’ve actually had pretty decent luck with gable vents, though I think it really depends on the house layout and local weather. My place is a 1940s Cape, and the attic’s kind of chopped up, so continuous ridge vents weren’t really an option without major surgery. I ended up doubling up on gable vents and adding a thermostatic attic fan. Maybe not as passive as some folks like, but it kept temps reasonable and ice dams to a minimum.
Insulation gaps are a whole other headache. I swear, every time I think I’ve sealed everything, I find another draft or cold spot. It’s like chasing ghosts. Anyway, just wanted to throw out that sometimes, with the right tweaks, gable vents can still pull their weight—especially if ridge venting isn’t practical.
sometimes, with the right tweaks, gable vents can still pull their weight—especially if ridge venting isn’t practical.
Really agree with this—sometimes you just have to work with what you’ve got, especially on a budget. My attic’s pretty segmented too, and I found that adding a second gable vent (plus weatherstripping around the hatch) helped a lot. Not as efficient as ridge/soffit, but my cooling costs actually dropped a bit last summer. Drafts are still a pain though... I keep finding them behind knee walls. It’s never-ending.
I hear you on those knee wall drafts... had the same issue in my old place. I tried stuffing insulation in every gap I could find, but the air still found a way through. Gable vents definitely aren’t perfect, but sometimes they’re just what you’ve got to work with. Noticed my attic stayed drier after sealing up the hatch too, so at least that’s one win.
