Installing Attic Insulation Vents

Check for a moisture barrier under the insulation.

Installing attic insulation vents.

That said air resistance and interference such as vent grates reduces the area of true ventilation. Installation of this type of attic ventilation involves leaving a gap in the sheathing along the ridge and covering it with a perforated vent. If the attic is insulated with fiberglass batts just pull back any that are blocking the flow of air. In other words the entire vent opening doesn t count as vented space.

For the same reason insulation shouldn t touch the roof s underside. This guide covers the installation of this valuable home improvement. Photos 1 6 show how it s done. 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.

Adding attic vents is a simple matter of cutting holes and installing 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. Static vents often protrude from roofline thanks to. 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. Sometimes called rafter vents baffles provide ventilation and keep the insulation from blocking airflow through your attic. Mark the roof venting locations from the attic where you can see the rafters and avoid placing roofing vents over them. Installing rafter vents between the rafters along the soffit on the back of the house allows for air movement.

To completely cover your attic floor with insulation out to the eaves you need to install rafter vents also called insulation baffles. But before you cut any holes plan the locations of the attic 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. Putting baffles in your attic is a crucial step in installing attic insulation.

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 lack of adequate ventilation in insulated attics is a common defect. The soffit vents are now installed but you still need to make sure there s no insulation blocking the new vents.