Attic Air Flow Baffles
They can reduce roof deck temperature minimize ice dam issues and can help control attic moisture.
Attic air flow baffles. They are usually made from cardboard or rigid foam board or polyvinyl chloride. That airflow is intended to churn the stale air in your attic which helps to remove moisture and control the temperature 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. An attic with balanced ventilation has undereave or soffit vents which allow fresh air into the attic.
It can be cut to fit most joist spaces and is an affordable way to meet energy code requirements for air flow. Baffles are also called wind baffles venting chutes rafter vents or insulation baffles. Baffles are available at home centers. The airflow from the soffits to the ridge vent keeps the roof cool and prevents ice dams and the material will block that flow.
These specialty vents do not affect the. An attic baffle is simply an item to regulate the flow of air aka required roof venting and impede it the insulation from interfering with each other. Product overview for improved air circulation in the attic install the durovent 22 in. Use it between rafters to create an air channel through insulation to help keep air flowing freely in your attic.
They also keep insulation from falling into and clogging up the eaves. 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. From left to right air flows through the soffit vents up over the baffles allowing for the required roof venting. If your attic is well insulated the insulation might be plugging the spaces between rafters just above exterior walls.
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 how they work. Staple plastic or foam baffles to the roof sheathing near the eaves to keep the material away.
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. They are known are also known as wind baffle insulation baffles rafter vents or venting chutes. The fresh air flows up between rafters to the ridge where a ridge vent roof vents or gable vents allow the air to exit. 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.
For the same reason insulation shouldn t touch the roof s underside. The picture below courtesy of the epa indoor airplus program which we provide builder verification services for helps show how the system works.