snow through soffit vent - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

dtsinc · 03-31-2009, 11:02 PM

I just finished a building a garage. I used coravents s4oo strip vent for continuous soffit vent. we had a snow storm sunday with strong winds and there is 2-3" of snow on top of the top plates and 1-2" on the floor out about 4 feet from the wall. Has anyone had snow infiltration like this before? Thanks

**loneframer** · 03-31-2009, 11:09 PM

I've seen it several times. One thing that might help is solid blocking between rafters along the plateline, leaving only about an inch at the top for ventilation.

Is there a gable vent near the pile on the floor?

**Ed the Roofer** · 03-31-2009, 11:28 PM

I have read about snow infiltration into the windward side under soffit vents before in Coastal Contractor magazine and related articles from the East Coast area, so it can happen.

Was the any ridge venting to alleviate the opposite pressure?

Ed

dtsinc · 03-31-2009, 11:56 PM

There is a full ridge vent, the snow on the floor appears to have come in through the soffits. What is really strange, is it came in the side opposite the wind blows from. I'll look at blocking the plate line or putting in some proper vents. I know the owner wants to finish the garage in the future, so I'm sure I can sell it to him. Thanks for the help

SLSTech · 04-01-2009, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtsinc

There is a full ridge vent, the snow on the floor appears to have come in through the soffits. What is really strange, is it came in the side opposite the wind blows from. I'll look at blocking the plate line or putting in some proper vents. I know the owner wants to finish the garage in the future, so I'm sure I can sell it to him. Thanks for the help

Sure it didn't come in via the ridge vent?

MJW · 04-01-2009, 04:49 PM

Look at the code book. Wind wash (blocking between rafters) is mandatory. You must have at least some energy codes.
This also keeps your insulation in place. Wind wash and chutes, you'll be fine.

mattp · 04-01-2009, 05:30 PM

We always stuff insulation between the top plate and the roof sheathing also putting in a foam chute between the sheathing and insulation to allow air flow. I know this is not necessary yet bc its not finished or heated space but it should keep the snow out

ventman · 04-03-2009, 07:02 AM

here it is.If there is no attic then there is no reason to vent. how ever after attic is installed ventilation[air flow will be controlled],bottom to
top ,intake to exaust. without the attic there is no temp diference thus air wind will do whatever it wants.
Wind baffels can be used internal or external if it happens with an attic,also must have the ventilation correct size.There a few more simple fixes if i haven,t got it so far.Feel free to contact me direct, i,m not on here often.
ventman