Do You Need To Vent An Attic With Exterior Insulation

Direct all exhaust fans and vents to the exterior.

Do you need to vent an attic with exterior insulation.

Correct that mistake so that humid exhaust air doesn t get trapped in your insulation and ruin it. Install low gable vents located above the top level of the attic ceiling insulation. When the attic becomes part of the home to be heated and cooled open wall gable vents and roof vents are no longer feasible but the underside of the roof the sheathing and rafters can still get. Though it s against building code to vent any kind of exhaust to an attic space many home builders have gotten away with this shortcut.

First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. Use eye brow vents that are on the top of the sloping roof surface near the soffit eave area. Traditionally insulation materials that are placed inside of an attic will require air circulation within the attic space to assist in drying excess moisture in this indoor space. Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live.

Roof insulation thermal resistance at roof perimeter should be equal or greater to thermal resistance of exterior wall. Focus on the other ventilation you have in the attic. If you are installing a new roof consider a drip edge vent. The recommended ventilation ratio to provide for vented attic assemblies when an air barrier is present is the 1 300 ratio as specified by most building codes.

Inspecting your attic insulation. 1 300 ventilation ratio recommended. To completely cover your attic floor with insulation out to the eaves you need to install rafter vents also called insulation baffles. Whether the home is old or new however anyone considering spray foam insulation would be wise to ask this question.

Protect yourself as you install your insulation. Insulation is used in an attic for cross ventilation to minimize potential for moisture accumulation and condensation to help energy savings and moisture control. Complete coverage of the attic floor along with sealing air leaks will ensure you get the best performance from your insulation.