Real attics must not have seen those diagrams, because airflow rarely follows the arrows. William Rose, with the Building Research Council at the University of Illinois, has been conducting some of the first real research into how and why attic ventilation works. His findings can help you design and build more effective attic ventilation. And they may surprise you.
Attic ventilation is the traditional way of controlling temperature and moisture in an attic.
Meanwhile, builders rely on ventilation, so it should be done in the best way known. Purposes of Attic Ventilation Ventilating an attic reduces temperature swings. From your own experience, you know that a vented attic is cooler on a hot day than an unvented one. The cooling effect of venting has two benefits. First, it makes the home more comfortable during hot weather and reduces the cost of mechanical air-conditioning.