Properly ventilated attic temperatures in south LA

As I type this at 2:20 pm, BR, 122 F. Max I’ve measured (Bluetooth temperature sensor in attic for the past 3 years) is 132 F. Acadian style home with fairly high pitch main roof. Ridge vents - soffit vents only for attic ventilation and ventilation area exceeds current building criteria-codes.

Radiant barrier should reduce attic temperature 15-20 F.

The color of one’s roofing shingles makes a big differences, the darker the shingle, the hotter the attic.

What is your main concern?

We recently had our roof replaced and took out a power vent and added a ridge vent. Now it's hot as hell up there and impacting the top floor. I suspect our soffits aren't enough to support the ridge vent. I like the idea of getting a Bluetooth sensor up there.

Anyone know what type of company to call out and have a look?

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I like the idea of getting a Bluetooth sensor up there.

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SensorPush is what I use. I’ve got about 6 of them - attic, carport freezer, outdoor patio, other rooms in the house. $50 on Amazon. Battery last at least 2 years, and replaceable. LINK

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I’m surprised you run that hot with proper soffit and ridge vents.

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Well, lot of space in my attic, dark gray singles, much of the roof area faces South, no really large trees to shade roof - many factors affect attic temperature other than the attic ventilation system. Here is the air temp in my attic over the past month.



Well, installing turbine ventilators if warranted, radiant barrier, better sealing your attic from the conditioned area below (electrical, plumbing, fireplace, etc) combined with adding additional attic floor insulation, addling additional insulation wrap to HVAC ducts (assuming they are rigid & have R-4 insulation - I think code now is R-8). Of course spray foaming the attic roof but very expensive & not alway the best option for an older home.

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We recently had our roof replaced and took out a power vent and added a ridge vent. Now it's hot as hell up there and impacting the top floor. I suspect our soffits aren't enough to support the ridge vent. I like the idea of getting a Bluetooth sensor up there.

Anyone know what type of company to call out and have a look?

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Are you sure you have enough ridge vent? Homes with hip roofs often don't have enough ridge to properly vent the attic. You can go to any roofing material website for a calculator. My house is cutting it close, but I meet the code requirements. I've seen tons of houses built that don't meet code bc it isn't something a lot of building officials worry about unless it's grossly under. Whirly birds can help but they aren't appealing to the eye.

This week, I’ve measured mine as high as 135. Located in New Orleans. Ridge and soffit vents.

Once it starts cooling down this year I’m planning to put up some radiant barrier and air seal the attic with foam. My AC unit is 13 years old and I need it to last another 3 to 5 years…also don’t like my AC running for 16 hours/day during the summer.