Emd 10/6/06 Mark Grossman, Dawn, Carolyn

Javier and I were at a trade show and spoke with a company about attic ventilation. He suggested using "Ridge Vents". They are add-ons to the existing structure that do not require maintenance.

http://www.airvent.com/homeowner/index.shtml

http://www.airvent.com/homeowner/products/ridgeVents.shtml

While these vents may alleviate high heat in the attic during the summer they also vent accumulated heat in the winter. An important element NOT mentioned frequently is the insulation between the attic and the unit. Some experts recommend increased insulation between the attic and living areas as the only steps that need to be taken.

Knowing the high quality of work and materials originally put into our complex makes it imperative that if any kind of attic ventilation is used, insulation must also be installed (I assume it does not now exist) between the living areas and the attic.

http://www.easy2diy.com/cm/easy/diy_ht_index.asp?page_id=35720118

http://www.owenscorning.com/around/ventilation/ventsure_ridge.asp

http://www.askthebuilder.com/090_Attic_Ventilation_-_Ridge_amp_Soffit_Vents.shtml

Ventilating an attic needs to be done on a continual basis. The temperature and dew point of the air inside the attic needs to be as close as possible to the air on the other side of your roof. Wide differences in either of these numbers can cost money in repairs or higher heating and cooling bills.

Poor attic ventilation in colder climates can cause frost and condensation to form on the underside of your roof. It can rain inside the attic. In hot climates, elevated attic air temperatures cause your air conditioner to work longer and harder. Asphalt shingles, roof boards, and insulation can be damaged by elevated temperatures.

There are other considerations for us. Installing a ventilation system of any kind would necessitate a certain amount of insulation. Currently those without insulation who complain of heat in the summer may actually benefit from it in the winter. Certainly one first step should be evaluating and placing proper insulation. Since attic areas are not living spaces, the temperature in those areas should not be an associations concern unless they relate to building maintenance.

Is this something the association should pay for or individual unit owners who feel they need the change?

http://www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/RadiantBarrier.html

Hope this provides enough information.

Dorron

----- Original Message -----

From: Mark Grossman

To: 'Dorron B'

Cc: Dawn Ruggiero

Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2006 9:04 PM

Subject: Attic Heat

As a follow up to the discussion at the meeting last night, please share with me any information that you have regarding ventilation for the attics. I think you mentioned that you attended a show where you got some ideas.

I look forward to working with you on this.  

SignatureProperty Group Inc.

Mark J. Grossman,

Property Manager

Office 201 947-1001

Main Fax 201 947-5005