I own a 70-year-old home with a slate roof which has a very steep pitch. We
also have what I believe are called "knee walls" in several locations on
the 2nd floor. Currently, we have 2 gable vents facing east and west. On the
east one, I have an attic fan which comes on when the temp gets to at least
70. Unfortunately, the fan is much bigger than the vent opening and so does
little to evacuate any air.

I am thinking about soffit vents, but I'm worried about the damn knee walls.
There's no insulation on them and getting back there is impossible without
tearing the wall down. I mainly want to eliminate the ice dams in the winter
and the high attic temps in the summer.

TIA
m

Lowes sells a white plastic access door for situations like this. Cut a hole
in the wall, and screw it into place. They can be placed so furniture can
hide them. There may be various sizes available by asking.

RJ

"El Marko" wrote in message
m...
I own a 70-year-old home with a slate roof which has a very steep pitch.
We
also have what I believe are called "knee walls" in several locations on
the 2nd floor. Currently, we have 2 gable vents facing east and west. On
the
east one, I have an attic fan which comes on when the temp gets to at
least
70. Unfortunately, the fan is much bigger than the vent opening and so
does
little to evacuate any air.

I am thinking about soffit vents, but I'm worried about the damn knee
walls.
There's no insulation on them and getting back there is impossible without
tearing the wall down. I mainly want to eliminate the ice dams in the
winter
and the high attic temps in the summer.

TIA
m

If you have an attic fan set to run at 70, it must be running a lot, if
you're in a typical environment. I've never seen one set that low and
it doesn't make any sense as you're just burning energy for no return.
Somewhere over 100 is more normal.