How does wind impact attic air flow?

Wind significantly influences attic air flow primarily by creating variations in pressure around the building's geometry. When wind passes over the roof, it can create areas of lower pressure on the windward side and subsequently higher pressure on the leeward side. This pressure differential leads to the movement of air into the attic.

When considering how wind specifically affects attic air flow, the creation of negative pressure at the ridge is particularly important. As wind flows over the roof, it can pull air out from the highest point of the attic, which is typically the ridge. This negative pressure at the ridge causes warm, moist air from the attic to be expelled outside, enhancing the ventilation process.

In contrast, while wind does indeed affect various openings such as eaves, its most critical impact in terms of creating a balanced attic ventilation system arises at the ridge, facilitating the expulsion of stale air, which is essential for maintaining optimal air quality and temperature regulation in the attic space.