Are Baffles In Attic Necessary

Baffles ensure proper airflow into your attic space.

Are baffles in attic necessary.

The foam baffles hold up in michigan s humidity whereas cardboard baffles can absorb moisture causing them to fall and be ineffective. 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. Sometimes called rafter vents baffles provide ventilation and keep the insulation from blocking airflow through your attic. Baffles are installed in the attic or should be wherever there is an intake vent soffit vent.

Venting a homes attic is a very important best building practices will say 50 at the ridge and 50 at the soffits unobstructed. If you want to insulate the rafter bays rather than the attic floor in order to make the attic a heated space baffles are even more important for proper air circulation. Without baffles blinders that prevent outside air from crossing over the vent a ridge vent may create almost no ventilation at all. In addition to offering airflow in your attic space baffles keep attic insulation off your roof deck which is especially important for cold michigan winters.

Baffles establish a channel for air to circulate between the insulation and the roof sheathing. Attic baffles play an important role keeping your home comfortable and safe. They keep space clear so fresh air can flow from the soffits under your roof eaves to the vents at or near the top of your roof illustrated by the red arrow above. Putting baffles in your attic is a crucial step in installing attic insulation.

Why attic baffles are so baffling. Unless rain moisture is getting in. Most baffles are installed between the rafters and roof sheathing to create a barrier of protection for the soffit vents. Affix rigid foam insulation to the attic side of the hatch or door.

Pull down stair or ladder. It is a fairly easy process that will make a world of difference in assisting your insulation and keeping your home protected from rot which can save you a substantial amount of money down. Do not use mechanical means electric. Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic.

Baffles prevent vents from getting clogged by insulation and ensure a clear channel for outside air to move into the attic through soffit vents. Surprisingly even the most well insulated attic space may still require the assistance of attic baffles to provide the additional air circulation. Baffles play an important role in the function of soffit vents as they prevent the intrusion of insulation or other debris.