Should there be soffit vents? And would adding more insulation to the attic floor help prevent ice dams?

J.P., Raynham A. I think soffit vents are a good idea in conjunction with a ridge vent, because you cannot overventilate an attic. But ridge vents often work well without soffit vents because they tend to pull air out of the attic instead of allowing air to flow through.

Added insulation will help, too. Making the attic and the roof even colder is the best preventive measure against ice dams. Whether you add insulation or not, one thing to make sure of is that there is no insulation in the soffits, the underpart of the overhang.

If there is, pull it out. Q. I am having a new roof put on my Cape-style house.

Will a ridge vent be useful without soffit vents? VICTOR BANEVICIUS, Westborough A. Yes, the handyman thinks a ridge vent is useful under any circumstances, and the time is perfect for installing it when a new roof is going on.

While a ridge vent is useful no matter what -- bringing old air out and new air in, or pulling air out of the attic if there are no soffit vents -- some ... more.

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