When using the lost foam technique, could I replace foam with something else, like paper or paper mache? Or any other suggestions?
Definitly get the whirlie birdThere so much cheaper and there surprisingly easy to installBetter than paying a contractor to install an electric exhaust that will cost you money everytime its onWhirlie birds run off wind and the air pressure inside your roof cavaityThey dont need electricityAnd if you still feel like you need more ventilation, you can just buy and install another one on your roofYou could put 10 whirlie birds on your roof and its still going to cost less than the installation of an electrical exhaust and the proceeding electrical costs for running itHope this helped :-)
A properly vented attic would need neither but the whirlybird would be your best betThe electric fan has some bad side effectsThe worst is that they tend to pull air from the conditioned spacesAnother is that they tend to pull up moist air from the basement or crawlspaceBoth those will raise your electric bill on top of running the fanYou will almost always be better off addressing a ventilation problem without the use of the electric fans.
YesCompact sand can do what you wishHowever, other methods like; Sand whip, Stone way, Wax chicken wire and etc?? They will all do what you request.
An attic fan will get more heat out of the home, the only problem is the motor does not last foreverThe very best attic vent is a roof ridge ventIt will remove more heat from the atticThe roof ridge runs the length of the attic.
Go with the electric fanI have one, it works well for meThey do use a decent amount of power because its a high-temperature motor, but it does make quite a difference inside the house when the attic is not so hotAs long as you keep the motor oiled, I check mine every month, it should last you many years and probably save you a lot of money in just a few seasons.
