Attic Vents For Insulation

At first it may seem odd to add insulation for warmth and then purposely allow cold air to enter the attic through vents but this combination is the key to a durable and energy efficient home.

Attic vents for insulation.

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. Vents come in various styles. 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. Air flows in through the soffit vents and out through the roof vents.

Traditionally insulation materials that are placed inside of an attic will require air circulation within the attic space to assist in drying excess moisture in this indoor space. Roof insulation thermal resistance at roof perimeter should be equal or greater to thermal resistance of exterior wall. The airflow from the soffits to the ridge vent keeps the roof cool and prevents ice dams and the material will block that flow. Insulation is used in an attic for cross ventilation to minimize potential for moisture accumulation and condensation to help energy savings and moisture control.

Grab a flashlight and inspect your attic during the winter. For the best results place roof ventilation near the roof s peak and soffit vents in the eaves. One method is to use a powered attic vent with a humidistat thermostat located close to the ridge or top of the roof. Good roof ventilation can do this but shingle color sun exposure and insulation are exponentially more important to overall energy efficiency than ventilation.

To install the rafter vents staple them directly to the roof decking. If insulation is allowed to bunch against the inside slope of the roof between the rafters air will be blocked before. If you see dampness or frost you need better roof ventilation and some attic vents. The recommended ventilation ratio to provide for vented attic assemblies when an air barrier is present is the 1 300 ratio as specified by most building codes.

Rafter vents or insulation baffles install in any rafter space to create narrow gaps that direct fresh air from the soffit vents to the peak of the roof. The fresh air flows up between rafters to the ridge where a ridge vent roof vents or gable vents allow the air to exit. Of course there should be intake vents to ensure a balanced system. Rafter vents come in 4 foot lengths and 14 1 2 and 22 1 2 inch widths for different rafter spacings.

An attic with balanced ventilation has undereave or soffit vents which allow fresh air into the attic. These specialty vents do not affect the. 1 300 ventilation ratio recommended. For the same reason insulation shouldn t touch the roof s underside.

Sure installing roof vents for older homes can reduce your hot air during the summer but there are probably more low risk cost effective ways to increase your home s energy.