Attic Baffles Requirements

Ben ericksondecember 27 2007 at 4 52 pm.

Attic baffles requirements.

Rafter vents or insulation baffles install in any rafter space. Since each 4 diameter hole would have an area of 12 56 square inches 3 14 x r you would divide 1 267 by 12 56 to come up with 101 vents. Proper air circulation in the attic is all about preventing moisture buildup. That airflow is intended to churn the stale air in.

During the summer soffit and gable vents draw. Ah the bad are easily spotted as we labeled them. Attic ventilation works on the principle that heated air naturally rises primarily utilizing two types of vents. How important is using baffles in attic insulation.

For loose fill read labels. The main function of an attic baffle is to draw the air in from outside your home and allowing it to circulate around your attic. Each bag lists the required depths for a range of r values and the number of bags needed to cover 1 000 square feet at those depths. Baffles are a critical component to our attic insulation process that provides multiple benefits to a difficult construction aspect.

Surprisingly even the most well insulated attic space may still require the assistance of attic baffles to provide the additional air circulation. Bob using the formula above you would need 8 8 square feet or 1 267 square inches of vent space in your attic. For that reason you should check your baffles yearly for damage replacing any damaged baffles as you find them. A first off a fiberglass plug is basically worthless and does not meet the air sealing requirements in the 2009 iecc.

You can situate the baffles where the circulation is mainly required. Measure your attic s square footage. For batts or rolls calculate the number based on the width and length of the product you re using. Cut side fin and fold baffle at the measured mark to allow for correct insulation height.

Ventilation openings having a least dimension larger than 1 4 inch 6 4 mm shall be provided with corrosion resistant wire cloth screening hardware cloth perforated vinyl or similar material with openings having a least dimension of 1 16 inch 1 6 mm minimum and 1 4 inch 6 4 mm maximum. Fasten top portion of baffle in place to allow for a minimum 1 inch space between baffle and roof deck. This can cause all sorts of problems from mold to decay. For all eaves with vents fasten bottom of baffle in place to allow insulation to completely cover the top plate.

The second major issue is the large gap between the baffle ridge and the insulation. An attic needs to be insulated to keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.