Attic Insulation Baffles

Do your heating or cooling bills seem too high? Your crawlspace or attic may not have enough insulation. This problem could allow the conditioned atmosphere to escape into your surrounding area. This will increase your energy consumption, and can result in an expensive and uncomfortable summer.

Michigan residential construction code requires a baffle be installed in every cavity; however, at Ecotelligent Homes we don’t treat the code as the gold standard, we treat it as the bare minimum allowed. Our basic attic insulation package goes beyond the minimum code requirements and includes installing baffles in every cavity with a blocker and air sealing of the exterior top plate, see sketch below (artwork courtesy of our crafty engineer, Owner Amanda Godward).

Baffles can be used to stop the flow of gas, fluid, or air. They are often used in conjunction attic vents. Attic Air claims that baffles allow for proper airflow and prevent insulation from clogging vents. They can be made from rigid waterproof foam, plastic, or cardboard and are available in different lengths. They are installed between the rafters of your attic ceiling.

Insulation baffles cardboard: Insulation baffles can be a simple and effective way to improve airflow in your attic. They are light and easy to put in. They are able to move hot and cold air from your attic. They prevent insulation from becoming clogged around the soffit.

These baffles will keep your crawlspace or attic well insulated. These baffles are made from high-quality material and will not deteriorate in harsh environments. They also last longer than similar products. This will allow you to reduce your energy costs and improve the quality of your home's indoor air.

Insulation Baffles Cardboard: Cardboard insulation baffles help channel hot and cold air to roof vents. They also help prevent the insulation from blocking the soffit area. Cardboard attic baffles are made of corrugated stock that is folded or stapled to create a sturdy structure. However, they can be fragile and degrade over time.

A Soffit vent is a ventilation opening located at the bottom of a roof on the outside of a building. A soffit generally directs airflow from the house to the exterior, over the ground, and over some barrier such as turf or slab. Some soffits have screens or insulation to minimize wind-driven rainwater intrusion, while some have insulation only for convenience since insulation can also be provided in a properly insulated attic.

What are Insulation Baffles? Insulation baffles play a vital role in your attic insulation system. They prevent heat and moisture from building up in your attic. Baffles are essential to the performance and safety of your attic, regardless of what insulation you use.

To ensure proper air circulation in your attic space's attic, you need rafter bumps. They create a channel that runs between the insulation layer and the roof sheathing. This helps keep heat out and moisture in. The baffles should go between the soffit ventilation and the roofing vent. On top of the baffles, batting insulation should also be installed. Rafter Baffles are made from rigid foamboard. They are easy to install on your attic’s rafters. To install them, first remove fascia board or soffit vent boards. Install the insulation baffle by sliding it over the insulation batts. Finally, secure them with staples. Before installing the baffles make sure they are clear of obstructions.

Baffles not only allow for airflow, but they also keep roof insulation off your roof deck. This is especially important in the winter months of Michigan. Condensation can form on roofs that are in contact with attic insulation during winter months. Climate and the home's pitch or slope are also factors in the likelihood of condensation. To prevent potential condensation on roof decks, install baffles in each cavity.

Other baffles have a single purpose, which is to provide insulation. They don't consider the possibility of it falling out. To maximize the insulation's potential, this type fills every gap and reduces stale air. Installing insulation without baffles could result in areas that are either too big or too small, which means that there isn’t enough insulation. Baffles are a great way to make sure that all rafter spaces have been filled. They also prevent insulation from filling any unneeded areas in your crawlspace or attic.

The roof's edge is covered by ridge exhaust vents. They aren't visible enough so they don't detract from the roofline. The unique covers protect static vents from hail, snow, and rain to make sure they work well. Many of these static vents come with enclosed fans. Powered exhaust fans can be powered by solar- or electrical-powered fans that are activated when the attic temperature is below a certain limit.