Attic Air Flow Baffles

Attic baffles how they work.

Attic air flow baffles.

Baffles are also called wind baffles venting chutes rafter vents or insulation baffles. Baffles provide a channel for air to flow through certain parts of the attic. That airflow is intended to churn the stale air in your attic which helps to remove moisture and control the temperature of your attic. They also keep insulation from falling into and clogging up the eaves.

They are usually made from cardboard or rigid foam board or polyvinyl chloride. Product overview for improved air circulation in the attic install the durovent 22 in. For the same reason insulation shouldn t touch the roof s underside. The airflow from the soffits to the ridge vent keeps the roof cool and prevents ice dams and the material will block that flow.

They can reduce roof deck temperature minimize ice dam issues and can help control attic moisture. These specialty vents do not affect the. The fresh air flows up between rafters to the ridge where a ridge vent roof vents or gable vents allow the air to exit. Rafter vents or insulation baffles install in any rafter space to create narrow gaps that direct fresh air from the soffit vents to the peak of the roof.

An attic with balanced ventilation has undereave or soffit vents which allow fresh air into the attic. From left to right air flows through the soffit vents up over the baffles allowing for the required roof venting. It can be cut to fit most joist spaces and is an affordable way to meet energy code requirements for air flow. The picture below courtesy of the epa indoor airplus program which we provide builder verification services for helps show how the system works.

The beauty of attic baffles is that they are available from most home improvement stores and can be installed simply with a few staples if you want the diy approach. Staple plastic or foam baffles to the roof sheathing near the eaves to keep the material away. That means air can t flow from the soffit vents to the roof vents. In brief baffles are designed to provide a channel of air to flow through specific parts of your attic.

Attic baffles also called channel vents vent chutes proper vent and about 50 other names help direct air flow from the soffit through the attic. If your attic is well insulated the insulation might be plugging the spaces between rafters just above exterior walls. The solution is to add baffles which allow air to flow past the insulation photo 9. They are known are also known as wind baffle insulation baffles rafter vents or venting chutes.

Baffles are available at home centers. 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.