Roof Insulation Air Flow

Air should be tunneled from the eaves behind the insulation that is installed between the roof rafters and allowed to exit at the peak or at gable vents.

Roof insulation air flow.

As the air in the baffles heats up it can flow to the peak and out the roof vent. To control these different types of air flow ensure that the building envelope is airtight. 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. The soffit vents allow convective air movement from the soffits of the residence to the ridge vent.

Similarly in hot weather conditions warm air will infiltrate into the living are attic temperatures may reach 140ºf 60ºc and more. Through the block and through cracks that form in the mortar joints. To counter these problems baffles are installed to keep a small space between the insulation and the roof deck. Without high levels of attic or roof assembly insulation warm air will flow through the ceiling and roof to the outdoors in the winter.

Plastic cardboard and styrofoam baffles are available at home stores which can be installed between the roof sheathing and insulation to allow unobstructed air flow from the eaves to the unheated space. It is important to block these spaces. In addition insulation baffles must be installed at the point where the attic floor meets the roofline to prevent the attic insulation from migrating into the cavities and restricting the airflow from the soffit vents. Insulation is used in an attic for cross ventilation to minimize potential for moisture accumulation and condensation to help energy savings and moisture control.