How does an attic fire start?

Common Causes of Attic Fires

When it comes to residential attic fires, the most common cause of the fire is an issue related to an electrical malfunction. If your circuits ever become overloaded and lead to a breaker failing, the excess draw of energy can cause a fire.

How do you tell if there's a fire in your attic?

There are some pretty common signs that a fire has moved in to the attic/knee-wall area, most notably smoke and fire pushing from the dormers and gable ends. Interior environments where you are experiencing high levels of heat, but cant locate the fire can be indicative of fire concealed in the walls as well.

Can attic fan cause a fire?

"Most attic fans are put up there and forgotten," says Kenneth Kent, deputy marshal of the Arlington County Fire Department. "They're not inspected for years, and when they malfunction, they can start a fire."

How do you fight an attic fire?

What is the preferred method of ventilation for attic fires?

Utilize gable vents, or multiple attic vents while ventilating an attic fire. If vertical ventilation techniques are considered, open the roof near the peak over hot spots.

Attic Fire Considerations

Should I leave my attic door open in summer?

It is generally not recommended to keep your attic door open unless your entire home is naturally ventilated and not air-conditioned. Even in those instances, it may be better to simply open the windows on either side of the attic and keep the door closed.

How often do fires start in the attic?

An estimated 10,000 residential building attic fires are reported to U.S. fire departments each year and cause an estimated 30 deaths, 125 injuries, and $477 million in property loss.

How do roof fires start?

In roof fires, light fixtures and electrical wirings in the attic are usually the culprits. Burned wires will eventually start a fire in your home and they are dangerous because they often go unnoticed. Flickering light bulbs and light fixtures that fail to turn on can be caused by burned wires.

Is it OK to run an attic fan all night?

It is ok to run the fan for a few hours at a time, but then you should let it cool off before firing it up again. However, and as stated above, running your fan longer than it takes to replace the attic air is a waste of electricity.

Should I turn off my attic fan in the winter?

But did you know that an attic fan can also play an important role in your attic during winter? It's true. An attic fan in winter can help prevent ice dams, reduce moisture in your attic during winter months, and prevent mold and mildew buildup due to moisture problems in the attic.

What temp does attic fan turn on?

Most attic fans operate with a thermostat that automatically turns the fan on and off based on a temperature the homeowner sets. Most manufacturers and contractors recommend a temperature setting between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you run attic fan with windows closed?

Can You Run An Attic Fan With Windows Closed? You can run an attic fan with your attic and house windows closed if you so choose. However, if you do, you'll want to make sure that the soffit vents in your attic and the vents in the rest of your home are open.

How do I get heat out of my attic?

Install electric ventilators and attic fans, which remove hot air from an attic. They have thermostats that turn the fan on at a recommended preset temperature of 100-110 degrees. Alternatively, install passive vents such as gable, soffit and ridge vents, which are openings in the roof that allow hot air to escape.

How hot is an attic on a 100 degree day?

Thanks to the radiant heat affect, attic temperatures on a 100-degree day can reach 170 degrees or more.

Should I open windows in attic?

Cars and attics can reach 140 degrees F and higher, and all that heat doesn't do either one of them any good. Just as you can crack open a car window to prevent such excessive heat in your car, you can use ventilation in the attic to reduce the heat gain.

What should attic temperature be in winter?

Cold outdoor temperatures, especially below freezing, can wear on your furnace or heating system, making it difficult to maintain ideal attic temperatures. However, heating-system manufacturers must meet codes that enable your heating system to maintain a steady attic temperature of at least 68 degrees.

Why do attics get so hot?

What is this? A lack of proper insulation and poor air sealing also contributes to why attics get so hot. Many assume that too much insulation means hot air will remain trapped in their attics. It's important to note that attic insulation is an integral part of keeping your attic temperatures stable.

How do you tell if your attic is properly ventilated?

What are the pros and cons of an attic fan?

How many windows should be open for attic fan?

Opening two or more windows half way or more is recommended. Basically you should make it easy for the fan to pull in air. As for which windows to open, for general cooling you want to open windows far away from the fan to provide airflow to the entire house.

How many windows should be open when using a whole house fan?

Make sure at least one window is open. Opening two or more windows halfway or wider is recommended to allow the fan to do its job. For general cooling, open windows far away from the fan to provide airflow to the whole house. Or, open windows strategically in the areas you want cooled.

Do I really need an attic fan?

Attic fans do really work. They will help to circulate air in your attic and ventilate the space so that it stays closer to the outside temperature. Attics can reach extremely high temperatures in hot, summer months and gather an excessive amount of moisture in the winter. Attic fans will help fight these problems.

What should your attic fan be set at?

When it comes to an attic fan's temperature setting, it's best to adjust it to anywhere from 90 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It's impossible to state a single number because your attic can effortlessly soar above 95 degrees (on average).

How long do attic fans last?

Typically, attic fans have a lifespan of up to 15 years as long as they are properly maintained. This usually involves having the attic fan professionally serviced by an HVAC technician who will clean the fan shutters, lubricate the oil ports, and wash the fan blades as well as inspect the unit for any repairs needed.

Do attics freeze in winter?

Warm air holds a lot of moisture. When it arrives at a cold surface — your attic roof this time of year, for example — the moisture condenses and freezes. The frost accumulates and looks really scary to most folks. This is a common occurrence that you might miss if you don't frequent the attic during the winter.