Roof Insulation Air Flow

Without high levels of attic or roof assembly insulation warm air will flow through the ceiling and roof to the outdoors in the winter.

Roof insulation air flow.

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. To counter these problems baffles are installed to keep a small space between the insulation and the roof deck. To control these different types of air flow ensure that the building envelope is airtight. These openings are often a space hidden from view where a wall and the roof deck interface.

The soffit vents allow convective air movement from the soffits of the residence to the ridge vent. 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. Through the block and through cracks that form in the mortar joints. Similarly in hot weather conditions warm air will infiltrate into the living are attic temperatures may reach 140ºf 60ºc and more.

Insulation is used in an attic for cross ventilation to minimize potential for moisture accumulation and condensation to help energy savings and moisture control. As the air in the baffles heats up it can flow to the peak and out the roof vent. Concrete block with mortar joints can support diffuse air flow two ways. 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.