Installing Attic Insulation Vents

Installing rafter vents between the rafters along the soffit on the back of the house allows for air movement.

Installing attic insulation vents.

Rafter vents ensure the soffit vents are clear and there is a channel for outside air to move into the attic at the soffits and out through the gable or ridge vent. The lack of adequate ventilation in insulated attics is a common defect. For the same reason insulation shouldn t touch the roof s underside. In other words the entire vent opening doesn t count as vented space.

To completely cover your attic floor with insulation out to the eaves you need to install rafter vents also called insulation baffles. Installation of this type of attic ventilation involves leaving a gap in the sheathing along the ridge and covering it with a perforated vent. Static vents often protrude from roofline thanks to. Photos 1 6 show how it s done.

Adding attic vents is a simple matter of cutting holes and installing vents. Covering up the soffit vents with loose fill or batts which can happen if you stuff insulation along the eaves is a huge no no. It is a fairly easy process that will make a world of difference in assisting your insulation and keeping your home protected from rot. That said air resistance and interference such as vent grates reduces the area of true ventilation.

The airflow from the soffits to the ridge vent keeps the roof cool and prevents ice dams and the material will block that flow. If the attic is insulated with fiberglass batts just pull back any that are blocking the flow of air. In order to prevent insulation from clogging each soffit vent you must also install. But before you cut any holes plan the locations of the attic vents.

Putting baffles in your attic is a crucial step in installing attic insulation. Mark the roof venting locations from the attic where you can see the rafters and avoid placing roofing vents over them. Complete coverage of the attic floor along with sealing air leaks will ensure you get the best performance from your insulation. When inspecting the attic look behind the baffles to see if there is any misplaced insulation obstructing the natural air flow and check the roof vents to make sure that outside air is exhausting properly.

Sometimes called rafter vents baffles provide ventilation and keep the insulation from blocking airflow through your attic. If there s blown in insulation like ours rake back the fluffy stuff with a 3 or 4 ft long 1 x 6 or use a garden rake or hoe. The soffit vents are now installed but you still need to make sure there s no insulation blocking the new vents.