b'STEEP SLOPEto continuous ridge vents for attic exhaust ventilation. Matching the type of exhaust vent to the geometry of the roof gives the airflow the best chance to work most effectively. And, ridge vents look better due to their lower profile and color-matched shingles installed on top.Its time to make the case why homeowners insurance should pay for the attic ventilation being brought up to code and improved along the way.Point to the Insurance PolicyThe easiest path to getting homeowners insurance to pay is the actual insurance policy itself. If the policy has Law and Ordinance coverage then the insurance company has to pay the costs to improveGraphic shows balanced attic ventilation; photo courtesy of Air Vent, Inc.the attic ventilation and bring it up to code standards, says Pyatt. Its also sometimes called Building Code Upgrade Coverage. Theres several different ways the insurance companies may word it.Pyatt points out there is often a cap on the dollar amount the insurance companies will pay under the Law and Ordinance clause. Its unlikely the cap will be reached due to attic ventilation, but if the project also includes re-decking the roof, for example, then the overall maximum cap could be reached before the attic ventilation costs are factored in. Its important for homeowners to discuss the costs early in the process so theres no surprises, Pyatt says.Without the Law and Ordinance clause in the insurancereviewed for possible updates and released every policy, Pyatt acknowledges it is more challenging to getthree years. Individual cities may be following an older the insurance companies to pay. Its not impossible,version of the IRC, but all versions from the past 20 but its unlikely insurance will pay to bring the atticyears spell out the need for proper attic ventilation. ventilation up to code without the Law and Ordinance(Note: The IRC also details specific steps to treat the coverage. About 90% of the insurance policies thatattic as an unvented, conditioned space if traditional I review have the Law and Ordinance coverage, heventilation is not pursued).says.If the homeowners insurance policy does not have Its Pyatts recommendation that homeowners add theLaw and Ordinance coverage it may still be possible Law and Ordinance coverage to their policies if its notto persuade the insurance company to pay for proper already there. The minimal additional cost to have itattic ventilation. The approach being: This is the current added is more than offset when its time to replace ahome building standard. Pyatt says a letter from a local storm-damaged roof. At the end of the day, I wouldcode official or building inspector to the insurance strongly recommend that homeowners have a policycompany on behalf of the homeowner can help in that includes Law and Ordinance to cover buildingthis effort. code upgrades, Pyatt says. Most of the time it willTaking it one step further, if the insurance coverage save homeowners thousands of dollars during a roofingdoesincludeLawandOrdinancebutthelocal project while costing them as little as $100 per yearmunicipality does not enforce building code standards, added to the policy costs. theres still hope for the homeowner. If youre working Point to the Building Codewith a municipality that does not even enforce the building code, there are some cities that are way The International Residential building Code (IRC)behind the 8 ball and dont have the building code specific to attic ventilation is IRC Section 806. Its Continued on page 34www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer 33'