Working In Attic Heat

Take its temperature.

Working in attic heat.

Air circulation alone will not keep you safe. An unventilated attic can reach 150 degrees in the heat of summer 50 degrees higher than it should be. Most outdoor fatalities 50 to 70 occur in the first few days of working in warm or hot environments because the body needs to build a tolerance to the heat gradually over time. Take precautions to avoid a dangerous working environment in the attic.

And it can cause your air conditioner to work harder than it needs to and send your energy bills soaring with the temperature. High temperatures inside your attic shorten the life span of shingles. Some homeowners find that the heat which an attic in the furnace provides is not always the most comfortable way to improve an indoor environment. If you want the heat out of your attic a reflective roof or radiant barrier are better ways to get there.

During hot weather start working early as attics heat up as the day moves on. Worst yet the heat buildup is not just a summer concern. Excessive heat deteriorates items you store in the attic and can cause moisture problems in your house. An overheated attic can bake asphalt shingles on the roof and cause them to deteriorate.

Whether you re a professional or a home handyman make sure to take precaution before doing work in the attic. Drink plenty of water and use an osha approved particulate respirator or double strap dust mask to prevent inhalation of hazardous substances. If you ve got something to say about reflective roofs let s. Although illness from exposure to heat is preventable every year thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure and some cases are fatal.

I m not going to let the comments for this article turn into the allison is nuts because pavs can sometimes work charade that has happened with previous articles. A sealed attic will trap excessive heat and moisture causing extreme heat buildup on the roofs surface which can in turn lead to reduced shingle life. Because the warmer air comes from ducts that are at ceiling level in each room the unit creates a warm air fan experience where you feel the heat near your head first instead of down by your feet.