Roof Insulation Air Flow

Insulation is used in an attic for cross ventilation to minimize potential for moisture accumulation and condensation to help energy savings and moisture control.

Roof insulation air flow.

To control these different types of air flow ensure that the building envelope is airtight. It is important to block these spaces. As the air in the baffles heats up it can flow to the peak and out the roof vent. Similarly in hot weather conditions warm air will infiltrate into the living are attic temperatures may reach 140ºf 60ºc and more.

Air should be tunneled from the eaves behind the insulation that is installed between the roof rafters and allowed to exit at the peak or at gable vents. Plastic cardboard and styrofoam baffles are available at home stores which can be installed between the roof sheathing and insulation to allow unobstructed air flow from the eaves to the unheated space. Channel air flow channel air flow is an indirect path between openings in the building envelope. 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.

Concrete block with mortar joints can support diffuse air flow two ways. The soffit vents allow convective air movement from the soffits of the residence to the ridge vent. In addition insulation baffles must be installed at the point where the attic floor meets the roofline to prevent the attic insulation from migrating into the cavities and restricting the airflow from the soffit vents. Through the block and through cracks that form in the mortar joints.