Attic Insulation Ventilation Tips

Batts must be carefully trimmed to fit snugly around vents to retain their r value.

Attic insulation ventilation tips.

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. In the summer natural air flow in a well vented attic moves super heated air out of the attic protecting roof shingles and removing moisture. Statistics show that 85 percent of a house s heat loss is straight up through the attic space. Laying an attic blanket across the joists increases the r value of the insulation in the attic significantly.

This type of insulation is ideal for attics with standard spaced beams and joists and very few obstructions. The insulation will resist heat transfer into the house. To make it easy to eyeball how level the material is as you blow it in screw depth guides to joists throughout the space. With a helper to load the blower with insulation as needed start at the perimeter of the attic and work toward the attic access door.

Air flows in through the soffit vents and out through the roof vents. If you see dampness or frost you need better roof ventilation and some attic vents. Level uneven spots with a rake. Grab a flashlight and inspect your attic during the winter.

Proper insulation and air sealing also keeps attics cold in winter by blocking the entry of heat and moist air from below. Fill every joist space completely and evenly with the insulation leaving attic vents uncovered. Make sure the fill s depth is uniform across the attic. Static roof line vents are effective for ventilation but generally aren t recommended due to issues with leaks.

Fasten blocking around the hatch or door to allow the material to be installed around this area without escaping. Find a pre screened local home insulation contractor. Soffit vents may leave air trapped at the top of your attic. Working with metal clad mc cable mc cable is easier to work with than rigid conduit and offers protection from fire vibration gnawing pests and physical harm in general.