Table of Contents
In short, attic baffles are chutes that provide a way for air to flow from exterior soffit vents up to your attic. Attic insulation baffles can be made of a variety of materials including: Cardboard. Foam.
How many baffles do I need in attic?
The general rule of thumb on the amount of total attic vent space needed is to have at least one square foot of vent space for every 150 square feet of attic area.
Why do we need attic baffles?
But the truth is that your roof, particularly the attic, must be properly ventilated with outside air to perform its best. Attic baffles help to promote attic ventilation. When it does that, it removes damp, stagnant attic air and replaces it with clean dry air.
Where should attic baffles be installed?
Baffles are installed in the attic (or should be), wherever there is an intake vent (soffit vent). Baffles ensure proper airflow into your attic space. Baffles prevent vents from getting clogged by insulation and ensure a clear channel for outside air to move into the attic through soffit vents.
What do rafter baffles do?
Baffles are chutes that, when installed properly, can provide a channel for air to flow from your exterior soffit vents up into your attic space. That airflow is intended to churn the stale air in your attic which helps to remove moisture and control the temperature of your attic.
What are baffles used for insulation?
Baffles fit between the rafters and underneath the roof’s sheathing near the soffit vents. They keep the insulation from blocking the airflow into the attic. Baffles keep the insulation in place, which helps your home’s energy efficiency.
How do you tell if attic is properly vented?
How to determine whether you need better attic ventilation Look at your eaves and roof. Touch your ceiling on a warm, sunny day. Thick ridges of ice on your eaves in winter are a sign of poor attic ventilation. Warm air that escapes living space also carries moisture that will condense on rafters or roof sheathing.
Should attics be vented?
When done correctly, attic venting can reduce the potential for condensation in winter and summer. During winter, the primary cause of attic moisture issues stem from warm moist air infiltrating into the attic space from the inhabited areas and condensing on cold surfaces.
Do I need baffles If no soffit vents?
But not all homes have an overhanging roof line or soffit vents. Without them it is actually easier to insulate your attic, because you do not have to worry about covering up the vents or installing rafter baffles to ensure the vents breathe.
How often do you need to add insulation in your attic?
After about 15 years, homeowners should consider replacing attic insulation in Northern California. Some folks may need to replace their insulation sooner than that, though.
What are soffit vents?
These vents allow outside air to enter the attic at the lowest point of the roof—along the underside of the eave. They’re most effective when used in conjunction with a continuous ridge vent. Soffit vents come in several sizes and styles, including small round discs and rectangular grilles.
Can an attic have too much ventilation?
It’s possible to have too much exhaust ventilation, but you cannot have too much intake ventilation. If there is more intake ventilation than the attic’s square footage requires, it’s not problematic because any excess intake converts to “exhaust” on the leeward side of the house.
How many attic fans do I need?
The general rule of thumb in these situations is of roughly one vent per every 300 square feet of attic area if the attic has a vapor barrier. If not, there should be one vent for every 150 square feet. You will need to have 1 square foot of vent area for every 150 square feet of attic space.
Do you need baffles with batt insulation?
Baffles are required anywhere the insulation can block vents or get too close non-insulation rated recessed fixtures (can lights). Mostly we use insulation baffles prevent blockage of soffit vents from blown in insulation. Batt insulation can simply be held back and physical baffling isn’t really needed.
Are rafter vents worth it?
To get the best performance out of your insulation year in, year out, you would do well to install rafter vents in your attic. That air flow helps keep the attic cooler during the summer, and during the winter, it helps keep ice from forming on the edge of the roof. It also guards against mold, mildew, and rot.
Where should rafter vents be placed?
Rafter vents should be placed in your attic ceiling in between the rafters at the point where your attic ceiling meets your attic floor. Once they are in place, you can then place the batts or blankets, or blow insulation, right out to the very edge of the attic floor.
Does my roof need soffit vents?
A roof may need soffit vents if there is no other ventilation allowing for adequate air movement. However, if the attic space is properly sealed and insulated, there is no need for this type of ventilation. Soffit vents are an easy, aesthetically pleasing way to vent the attic space.
What are attic baffles made of?
In brief, baffles are designed to provide a channel of air to flow through specific parts of your attic. They are known are also known as wind baffle, insulation baffles, rafter vents or venting chutes. They are usually made from cardboard, or rigid foam board, or polyvinyl chloride.
How long should attic baffles be?
Baffles are typically 4 feet long, and they may be trimmed if necessary.
