Installing Attic Insulation Vents

This guide covers the installation of this valuable home improvement.

Installing attic insulation vents.

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. Installing rafter vents between the rafters along the soffit on the back of the house allows for air movement. 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. Putting baffles in your attic is a crucial step in installing attic insulation.

That said air resistance and interference such as vent grates reduces the area of true ventilation. 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. To completely cover your attic floor with insulation out to the eaves you need to install rafter vents also called insulation baffles. The lack of adequate ventilation in insulated attics is a common defect.

Installation of this type of attic ventilation involves leaving a gap in the sheathing along the ridge and covering it with a perforated vent. Mark the roof venting locations from the attic where you can see the rafters and avoid placing roofing vents over them. Photos 1 6 show how it s done. Adding attic vents is a simple matter of cutting holes and installing vents.

Generally speaking you need a ratio of 1 300 where for every 300 square feet of ceiling space you need 1 square foot of attic ventilation. It is a fairly easy process that will make a world of difference in assisting your insulation and keeping your home protected from rot. For the same reason insulation shouldn t touch the roof s underside. Sometimes called rafter vents baffles provide ventilation and keep the insulation from blocking airflow through your attic.

Check for a moisture barrier under the insulation. But before you cut any holes plan the locations of the attic vents. Static vents often protrude from roofline thanks to. If the attic is insulated with fiberglass batts just pull back any that are blocking the flow of air.

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. Complete coverage of the attic floor along with sealing air leaks will ensure you get the best performance from your insulation. The airflow from the soffits to the ridge vent keeps the roof cool and prevents ice dams and the material will block that flow.