US20090311958A1

US20090311958A1 - Attic Soffit Ventilation System

Info

Publication number: US20090311958A1
Application number: US12/139,047
Authority: US
Inventors: Lawrence J. Grubka
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital LLC
Priority date: 2008-06-13
Filing date: 2008-06-13
Publication date: 2009-12-17

Abstract

An attic soffit ventilation system configured to enable ventilation of a building having an attic and a soffit is provided. The system comprises a vent attached over an opening in the soffit. The vent has a vent flange that extends through the soffit opening. The vent is configured to allow air from an area exterior to the building to enter through the soffit. A flow conduit is provided having a lower portion, an extension portion and an attic aperture. The lower portion is configured to align with and connect to the vent flange. The extension portion of the flow conduit extends into the attic to the extent that the attic aperture is positioned in a non-insulated attic space. Air from the area exterior to the building can flow though the vent and through the flow conduit to the attic space.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to building construction materials. More particularly, the present invention relates to building construction materials used in the ventilation of building attics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Buildings, such as for example residential buildings, are typically covered by a sloped roof. The interior portion of the building located directly below the sloped roof forms a space called an attic. If unventilated, condensation can form on the interior surfaces within the attic. The condensation can cause damage to various building components within the attic, such as for example insulation, as well as potentially causing damage to the building structure of the attic. Accordingly, it is known to ventilate attics thereby helping to prevent the formation of condensation. One example of a method of ventilating an attic includes the positioning of ridge vents at the roof ridge, which is the intersection of the uppermost sloping roof planes. The ridge vents cooperate with eave vents, positioned in the eaves, to allow a flow of air to enter the eave vents, travel through a space between adjoining roof rafters to the attic, travel through the attic and exit through the ridge vents. Some buildings include insulation horizontally positioned on the lower portion of the attic formed by ceiling joists. The positioning of the insulation can result in the space between adjoining roof rafters being blocked, thereby substantially preventing the flow of air from the eaves to the attic.
It would be advantageous if an attic ventilation system could cooperate with insulation positioned in the space between adjoining roof rafters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to this invention there is provided an attic soffit ventilation system configured to enable ventilation of a building having an attic and a soffit. The system comprises a vent attached over an opening in the soffit. The vent has a vent flange that extends through the soffit opening. The vent is configured to allow air from an area exterior to the building to enter through the soffit. A flow conduit is provided having a lower portion, an extension portion and an attic aperture. The lower portion is configured to align with and connect to the vent flange. The extension portion of the flow conduit extends into the attic to the extent that the attic aperture is positioned in a non-insulated attic space. Air from the area exterior to the building can flow through the vent and through the flow conduit to the attic space.
According to this invention there is also provided an attic soffit ventilation system configured to enable ventilation of a building having an attic and a soffit. The system comprises a vent attached over an opening in the soffit. The vent is configured to allow air from an area exterior to the building to enter through the soffit. A flow conduit is provided having a lower portion, an extension portion and an attic aperture. The lower portion is positioned above vent. The extension portion of the flow conduit extends into the attic to the extent that the attic aperture is positioned in a non-insulated attic space. Air from the area exterior to the building can flow through the vent and through the flow conduit to the attic space.
According to this invention there is also provided a method of enabling ventilation of a building having an attic and a soffit. The method comprises the steps of providing a soffit opening in the soffit, providing a flow conduit having a lower portion, an extension portion and an attic aperture, urging the flow conduit through the soffit opening and into the attic to the extent that the attic aperture is positioned in a non-insulated attic space, providing a vent, the vent having a vent flange; and attaching the vent to the soffit such that the vent flange extends through the soffit opening and connects to the lower portion of the flow conduit. Air from an area exterior to the building can flow through the vent and through the flow conduit to the attic space.
According to this invention there is also provided a flow conduit configured to enable ventilation of a building having an attic and a soffit. The flow conduit comprises a lower portion positioned above an opening in the soffit. A transition portion is connected to the lower portion. An extension portion connected to the transition portion and including an attic aperture. The extension portion of the flow conduit extends into the attic to the extent that the attic aperture is positioned in a non-insulated attic space. Air from the area exterior to the building can flow through the opening in the soffit and through the flow conduit to the attic space.
Various objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as defining the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view) partially in phantom, of a building structure incorporating an attic soffit ventilation system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the attic soffit ventilation system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the building structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a portion of the building structure taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the insertion portion of the attic soffit ventilation system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, of the insertion portion of the attic soffit ventilation system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the insertion portion of the attic soffit ventilation system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the insertion portion of the attic soffit ventilation system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the insertion portion of the attic soffit ventilation system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the insertion portion of the attic soffit ventilation system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view, partially in phantom, of a second embodiment of an attic soffit ventilation system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG. 1, one example of an attic soffit ventilation system, indicated generally at 10, for use in providing an air flow to a building attic. The ventilation system 10 is incorporated into a building 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the building 12 is a structure of conventional construction, and includes an interior room 14, an attic space 16 and a roof structure 18.
The interior room 14 has an exterior wall 20. The exterior wall 20 is formed by the assembly of an interior wall covering 22, wall frame 24 and an exterior wall covering 26. The exterior wall 20 is configured to separate the interior room 14 from an outdoor area 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior wall covering 22 is made of drywall. In other embodiments, the interior wall covering 22 can be made of other suitable materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior wall covering provides a protective and aesthetically pleasing covering to the sides of the building 12. The exterior wall covering 26 can be made of any suitable materials, such as for example brick, wood, or vinyl siding, sufficient to provide a protective and aesthetically pleasing covering to the sides of the building 12. The wall frame 24 provides a support for other construction materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall frame 24 is made from wood studs connected into a framework. Alternatively, the wall frame 24 can be made from other materials, such as for example metal studs, sufficient to provide a support for other construction materials. While the exterior wall 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 is formed by the assembly of the interior wall covering 22, wall frame 24 and the exterior wall covering 26, it should be appreciated that the exterior wall 20 can be assembled with other suitable materials and with other suitable methods.
Referring again to FIG. 1, a wall plate 30 forms a top portion of the exterior wall 20. The interior room 14 further includes a ceiling 32 formed by a ceiling covering 34 attached to ceiling joists 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the ceiling covering 34 is made of drywall. Alternatively, the ceiling covering 34 can be made of other suitable materials, such as for example tile, paneling and plaster. In the illustrated embodiment, the ceiling joists 36 also function as attic floor joists. Alternatively, the ceiling joists 36 and the attic floor joists can be different components.
Insulation 40 is installed in the attic space 16 over the ceiling 32 to insulate the interior room 14 of the building 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulation 40 is loosefil insulation. The loosefil insulation is made of glass fibers although other mineral fibers, organic fibers and cellulose fibers can be used. In one embodiment, the loosefil insulation 40 is distributed over the ceiling 32 by a blowing wool distribution machine that feeds the blowing wool pneumatically through a distribution hose. In other embodiments, the loosefil insulation 40 can be distributed by other suitable methods. In yet other embodiments, the insulation 40 can be other forms of insulation, such as for example blankets or bats, sufficient to insulate the interior room 14 of the building 12.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the roof structure 18 includes a roof deck 42 attached to roof rafters 44. Shingles 46 are attached to the roof deck 42. In one embodiment, the roof rafters 44 and the ceiling joists 36 can be provided as a pre-assembled roof truss assembly. In other embodiments, the roof rafters 44 and the ceiling joists 36 can be assembled at the construction site.
As shown in FIG. 1, the roof structure 18 includes eaves 48 extending beyond the exterior wall 20. The eaves 48 include an eaves interior space 50 and an underside, or soffit 52. The soffit 52 has a soffit exterior surface 54 and a soffit interior surface 56. A soffit opening 57 is provided in the soffit 52. The soffit 52 has a thickness TS. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness TS of the soffit 52 is in a range from about 0.25 inches to about 2.0 inches. Alternatively, the thickness TS of the soffit can be less than 0.25 inches or more than 2.0 inches.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the roof rafters 44 and the ceiling joists 36 connect together with the wall plate 30, typically at a spacing of about two feet between adjacent sets of roof rafters 44 and ceiling joists 36. A rafter opening 58 is formed between adjacent sets of roof rafters 44 and the ceiling joists 36. The rafter opening 58 may vary in size depending upon the size of the ceiling joists 36, the size of the roof rafters 44, the spacing of the ceiling joists 36 and the roof rafters 44 and the configuration of the connection between the ceiling joists 36 and the roof rafters 44. The rafter opening 58 has a rafter opening dimension OD. In one embodiment, the rafter opening dimension OD is in a range from about 2.0 inches to about 8.0 inches. In other embodiments, the rafter opening dimension OD can be less than 2.0 inches or more than 8.0 inches. Referring again to FIG. 3, the rafter opening 58 may be filled with insulation 40. In other embodiments, the rafter opening 58 may be clear of insulation 40.
As discussed above, it is desirable to provide ventilation from the outdoor area 28, through the eaves interior space 50, through the rafter opening 58 and into the attic space 16, as illustrated by the direction arrows in FIG. 1. Optionally, the attic space 16 may be provided with a passive or motor driven fan vent 60 to increase and/or control the rate of ventilation flow. In other embodiments, the attic space 16 may be provided with ridge vents (not shown) to increase and/or control the rate of ventilation flow.
As shown in FIG. 1, an attic soffit ventilation system 10 is provided for use in providing an air flow to a building attic 16. The attic soffit ventilation system 10 is configured to extend from the outdoor area 28 to the attic space 16 and provide for a flow of ventilating air. The ventilation system 10 includes an exterior vent 64, a flow conduit 66 and a covering mechanism 68.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the exterior vent 64 includes an upper vent surface 70, a lower vent surface 72, a plurality of vent openings 74 and a vent flange 76. Optionally, the exterior vent 64 can be configured with a screen (not shown) extending substantially across the upper vent surface 70 and configured to prevent insects from entering the exterior vent 64. The exterior vent 64 is configured to be attached to the soffit 52 such that vent flange 76 extends through the soffit opening 57, and the upper vent surface 70 of the exterior vent 64 contacts the soffit exterior surface 54. The exterior vent 64 can be attached to the soffit exterior surface 54 by any suitable fastening mechanism, such as for example clips screws or clamps. While the exterior vent 64 shown in FIG. 2 includes a plurality of vent openings 74 aligned in rows and columns, it should be understood that any number of vent openings, in any orientation, can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior vent 64 can be made of any suitable material such as for example sheet metal or a polymer.
As shown in FIG. 2, the vent flange 76 extends from the upper vent surface 70 of the exterior vent 64 and forms a frame which connects to and aligns the flow conduit 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the vent flange 76 forms a rectangular cross-sectional shaped frame. In other embodiments, the vent flange 76 can form other cross-sectional shapes suitable to connect to and align with the flow conduit 66. The vent flange 76 has a flange height FH. The flange height FH is configured to extend through the soffit opening 57 a sufficient distance to connect to and align the flow conduit 66. In the illustrated embodiment the flange height FH is in a range of from about 1.0 inches to about 3.0 inches. In other embodiments, the flange height FH can be less than about 1.0 inches or more than about 3.0 inches.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the flow conduit 66 extends from the upper vent surface 70 of the exterior vent 64, past the eaves interior space 50, past the rafter opening 58, past the insulation 40 and into the attic space 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the flow conduit 66 has a lower portion 80, a transition portion 82, an extension portion 84 and an insertion portion 86. The lower portion 80 of the flow conduit 66 is configured to connect to and align with the vent flange 76 of the exterior vent 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 80 is configured to be positioned adjacent to the exterior surface of the vent flange 76. In other embodiments, the lower portion 80 is configured to be positioned adjacent to the interior surface of the vent flange 76. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower portion 80 of the flow conduit 66 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape corresponding to the rectangular shape of the vent flange 76. In other embodiments, the lower portion 80 can have other cross-sectional shapes corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the vent flange 76. The lower portion 80 of the flow conduit 66 can connect to the vent flange with any suitable fastening mechanism, such as for example screws, clips or clamps. Alternatively, the lower portion 80 of the flow conduit 66 can be positioned adjacent to the vent flange 76 without any fastening mechanism.
While the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 illustrates the connection of one flow conduit 66 with the exterior vent 64, it should be understood that more than one flow conduit 66 can be connected to the exterior vent 64.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the flow conduit 66 includes the transition portion 82. The transition portion 82 is configured to connect the lower portion 80 with the extension portion 84. In the illustrated embodiment, the transition portion 82 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape near the lower portion 80 and a substantially round cross-sectional shape near the extension portion 84. In other embodiments, the transition portion 82 can have any cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the lower portion 80 and another cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the extension portion 84.
As shown in FIG. 2, the extension portion 84 extends from the transition portion 84 to the insertion portion 86. The extension portion 84 includes attic aperture 88. Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the extension portion 84 is configured to extend a distance, substantially parallel to the roof structure 18, sufficient to position the attic aperture 88 above the insulation 40. In other embodiments, the extension portion 84 of the flow conduit 66 can extend a distance, in a direction non-parallel to the roof structure 18, above the insulation 40. Positioning the attic aperture 88 of the flow conduit 66 above the insulation 40 provides an improved flow of air from the outdoor area 28 through the attic soffit ventilation system 10 to the attic space 16. The extension portion 84 has a length LEP. In the illustrated embodiment, the length LEP of the extension portion 84 is in a range from about 3.0 feet to about 6.0 feet. In other embodiments, the length LEP of the extension portion 84 can be less than about 3.0 feet or more than about 6.0 feet.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the extension portion 84 has a substantially round cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the extension portion 84 can have other suitable cross-sectional shapes, such as for example a square, oval or rectangular cross-sectional shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the extension portion 84 fits within the rafter opening 58. Accordingly, the extension portion 84 of the flow conduit 66 has a maximum diameter DEP corresponding to the opening dimension OD of the rafter opening 58.
As shown in one embodiment of the flow conduit 66 illustrated in FIG. 2, the flow conduit 66 comprises a one-piece segment and can be made of any material, such as for example plastic, metal or fiberglass, suitable to extend from the exterior vent 64 to the attic space 16 and provide for an air flow therebetween. In other embodiments, the flow conduit 66 can comprise segments of differing materials that can be readily assembled into a flow conduit 66. As one example, the lower portion 80 and the transition portion 82 could be a substantially rigid material while the extension portion 84 could be a material flexible enough to navigate the rafter opening 58 yet rigid enough to penetrate the insulation 40.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the flow conduit 66 includes an insertion portion 86. The insertion portion 86 includes the covering mechanism 68 and at least one spacer 90. The insertion portion 86 of the flow conduit 66 is configured to allow the flow conduit 66 to be easily pushed through the insulation 40 such that the attic aperture 88 of the flow conduit 66 extends into the attic space 16 while substantially minimizing the amount of insulation 40 that enters the attic aperture 88.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the covering mechanism 68 has a substantially conical shape. The substantially conical shape of the covering mechanism 68 is configured to provide ready penetration of the insulation 40. In other embodiments, the covering mechanism 68 can have other shapes suitable to provide ready penetration of the insulation 40.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the covering mechanism 68 is connected to the extension portion 84 by spacers 90. The spacers 90 have a length LS. As best shown in FIG. 6, the length LS of the spacers 90 defines a gap 92 between the covering mechanism 68 and the attic aperture 88 of the flow conduit 66. The gap 92 between the covering mechanism 68 and the attic aperture 88 is configured to provide an adequate air flow through the attic aperture 88. In the illustrated embodiment, the length LS of the spacers 90 is in a range from about 1.0 inches to about 3.0 inches. In other embodiments, the length LS of the spacers 90 can be less than 1.0 inches or more than about 3.0 inches.
Referring again to FIG. 1, the attic soffit ventilation system is installed by providing the soffit opening 57 in the soffit 52. The soffit opening 57 is sized to allow the flow conduit 66 to be inserted from the outdoor area 28 through the soffit opening 57. The insertion portion 86 of the flow conduit 66 is urged through the rafter opening 58 and through any insulation 40 in the rafter opening 58. The flow conduit 66 continues to be urged through the rafter opening 58 until the attic aperture 88 extends above the insulation 40 and the lower portion 80 is adjacent the soffit interior surface 56. Next, the exterior vent 64 is positioned to cover the soffit opening 57 such that the soffit flange 76 fits within the lower portion 80 of the flow conduit 66. The exterior vent 64 is attached to the soffit 52 in any suitable manner.
Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the flow conduit 166 is illustrated. The flow conduit 166 includes an extension portion 184 and an insertion portion 186. The extension portion 184 includes attic aperture 188. The insertion portion 186 includes a covering mechanism 168. A screen 192 connects the covering mechanism 168 and the extension portion 184. The screen 192 is configured to allow the flow of air through the flow conduit 166 while substantially preventing insulation from entering the attic aperture 188. The screen 192 can have any mesh size suitable for preventing insulation from entering the attic aperture 188. The screen 192 can be connected to the extension portion 184 and the covering mechanism 168 in any suitable manner, such as for example clips, clamps, screws or adhesive.
Referring now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of a flow conduit 266 is illustrated. The flow conduit 266 includes an extension portion 284 and an insertion portion 286. The extension portion 284 includes attic aperture 288. The insertion portion 286 includes a covering mechanism 268. As the flow conduit 266 is urged through the insulation into the attic space, the covering mechanism 268 is adjacent the extension portion 284 in initial position P1. Once the flow conduit 266 is in a final position, the covering mechanism 268 is extended from initial position P1 to second position P2. The extension of the covering mechanism from initial position P1 to second position P2 can be initiated by any suitable mechanism (not shown), such as for example, trip wires, springs and/or levers. Once the covering mechanism 268 is in the second position P2, the gap 292 is created between the covering mechanism 268 and the extension portion 284.
Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a flow conduit 366 is illustrated. The flow conduit 366 includes an extension portion 384 and an insertion portion 386. The extension portion 284 includes attic aperture 388. The insertion portion 386 includes a covering mechanism 368. The covering mechanism 368 includes covering segments 369 a and 369 b. As the flow conduit 366 is urged through the insulation into the attic space, the covering segments, 369 a and 369 b, of the covering mechanism 268 are configured in a closed position P3. Once the flow conduit 366 is in a final position, the covering segments, 369 a and 369 b, of the covering mechanism 368 are opened to second position P4. Opening of the covering segments, 369 a and 369 b, to second position P4, exposes the attic aperture 388. The extension of the covering segments, 369 a and 369 b, from initial position P3 to second position P4 can be initiated by any suitable mechanism (not shown), such as for example, trip wires, springs and/or levers.
Referring now to FIG. 10, another embodiment of a flow conduit 466 is illustrated. The flow conduit 466 includes an extension portion 484. The extension portion 484 includes attic aperture 488. A screen 493 is positioned over the attic aperture 488 and connects to the extension portion 484. The screen 493 is configured to allow extension portion to penetrate the insulation in the rafter space while substantially preventing insulation from entering the attic aperture 488. The screen 493 can have any mesh size suitable for substantially preventing insulation from entering the attic aperture 488. The screen 493 can be connected to the extension portion 484 in any suitable manner, such as for example clips, clamps, screws or adhesive.
In other embodiments (not shown), the covering mechanism can be any device, structure or mechanism, such as for example a sliding extendable collar having a cover plate, sufficient to provide ready penetration of the insulation 40 and simultaneously substantially preventing insulation from entering the attic aperture.
Referring now to FIG. 11, an alternate embodiment of the attic soffit ventilation system 510 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the lower portion 580 of the flow conduit 566 is not in contact with the soffit interior surface 556 and does not mate with the exterior vent 564. The lower portion 580 of the flow conduit 566 is simply positioned a distance SD above the soffit interior surface 556. The exterior vent 564 does not have a vent flange and the exterior vent 564 does not extend through the soffit opening 557. Instead, the exterior vent 564 mounts to the soffit 552 and allows a flow of air into the eaves interior space 550. The flow conduit 566 then allows the flow of air in the eaves interior space 550 to flow through the flow conduit 566 into the attic space 516. Optionally, the flow conduit 566 can be attached to the roof deck 542 in any suitable manner.
The principles and mode of operation of this invention have been described in its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the attic ventilation system may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.

Claims

1. An attic soffit ventilation system configured to enable ventilation of a building having an attic and a soffit, the system comprising:

a vent attached over an opening in the soffit, the vent having a vent flange extending through the soffit opening, the vent configured to allow air from an area exterior to the building to enter through the soffit; and

a flow conduit having a lower portion, an extension portion and an attic aperture, the lower portion configured to align with and connect to the vent flange, the extension portion of the flow conduit extending into the attic to the extent that the attic aperture is positioned in a non-insulated attic space;

wherein air from the area exterior to the building can flow through the vent and through the flow conduit to the attic space.

2. The system of claim 1 in which vent flange has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

3. The system of claim 1 in which the flow conduit includes an insertion portion connected to the extension portion.

4. The system of claim 3 in which the insertion portion of the flow conduit includes a covering mechanism.

5. The system of claim 4 in which the covering mechanism has a substantially conical shape.

6. The system of claim 4 in which the covering mechanism is connected to the insertion portion of the flow conduit by spacers.

7. The system of claim 6 in which the spacers form a gap between the covering mechanism and the insertion portion of the flow conduit.

8. The system of claim 4 in which the covering mechanism is connected to the insertion portion by a screen.

9. The system of claim 1 in which the lower portion of the flow conduit has a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

10. The system of claim 1 in which the flow conduit includes a screen positioned over the attic aperture.

11. An attic soffit ventilation system configured to enable ventilation of a building having an attic and a soffit, the system comprising:

a vent attached over an opening in the soffit, the vent configured to allow air from an area exterior to the building to enter through the soffit; and

a flow conduit having a lower portion, an extension portion and an attic aperture, the lower portion positioned above vent, the extension portion of the flow conduit extending into the attic to the extent that the attic aperture is positioned in a non-insulated attic space;

12. The system of claim 11 in which the flow conduit includes an insertion portion connected to the extension portion.

13. The system of claim 12 in which the insertion portion of the flow conduit includes a covering mechanism.

14. The system of claim 13 in which the covering mechanism has a substantially conical shape.

15. The system of claim 13 in which the covering mechanism is connected to the insertion portion of the flow conduit by spacers.

16. The system of claim 15 in which the spacers form a gap between the covering mechanism and the insertion portion of the flow conduit.

17. The system of claim 13 in which the covering mechanism is connected to the insertion portion by a screen.

18. A method of enabling ventilation of a building having an attic and a soffit, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a soffit opening in the soffit;

providing a flow conduit having a lower portion, an extension portion and an attic aperture;

urging the flow conduit through the soffit opening and into the attic to the extent that the attic aperture is positioned in a non-insulated attic space;

providing a vent, the vent having a vent flange; and

attaching the vent to the soffit such that the vent flange extends through the soffit opening and connects to the lower portion of the flow conduit;

wherein air from an area exterior to the building can flow through the vent and through the flow conduit to the attic space.

19. The method of claim 18 in which the flow conduit includes an insertion portion, wherein the insertion portion includes a covering mechanism.

20. A flow conduit configured to enable ventilation of a building having an attic and a soffit, the flow conduit comprising:

a lower portion positioned above an opening in the soffit;

a transition portion connected to the lower portion;

an extension portion connected to the transition portion and including an attic aperture;

wherein the extension portion of the flow conduit extends into the attic to the extent that the attic aperture is positioned in a non-insulated attic space;

wherein air from the area exterior to the building can flow through the opening in the soffit and through the flow conduit to the attic space.