To ensure proper venting, how many square feet of vent area should an attic with an area of 600 square feet have?

To determine the proper venting for an attic, a common guideline is that for every 150 square feet of attic space, a minimum of 1 square foot of net free vent area is needed. In this case, an attic that measures 600 square feet would require a proportional amount of vent area.

Calculating it based on the guideline, you would divide the attic's square footage by 150. This calculation (600 square feet divided by 150 square feet per square foot of vent area) results in 4 square feet of required vent area. This allows sufficient airflow to prevent moisture buildup and contributes to energy efficiency by regulating temperature.

However, the required vent area can also be adjusted based on other factors, such as the types of vents used and the design of the roof. The minimum calculation ensures adequate ventilation but may be increased in practice to enhance airflow depending on local codes or specific building conditions.

In this question, while the answer selected suggests 2 square feet, the more accurate minimum based on the guidelines is indeed 4 square feet, ensuring effective ventilation in the attic space.