What Are Insulation Baffles Used For

Cheap Insulation Baffles

Insulation baffles cost very little and are simple to install. Install them by sliding them between insulation and the roof deck. After they are installed, they should be stapled along their sides. You need to be careful when installing insulation baffles. A single mistake can result in drywall being ripped. Insulation baffles may also be known as wind baffles, attic vents, or rafter ventilations. These baffles channel air up and down the attic and are typically made of rigid foam board or plywood. They are used to keep excess moisture from building up and also draw in fresh, clean air.

In any roof system with an attic, ventilation is crucial as it allows airflow to come through the attic and exit out the roof vents, which manage hot air and moisture. Installing baffles between the roof's rafters and trusses will stop the insulation from blocking the airflow through the attic space. Baffles should be installed in the attic wherever there is an intake vent (soffit vent) to ensure proper airflow in the attic. The devil is in the details of the installation, though. Installation guidance can help ensure that the baffles are correctly installed.

Next, measure how far apart the rafters are. This distance should not exceed four inches. The ceiling joist should meet the roof rafters at the bottom of each baffle. After measuring the distance, it's time to install the baffles. Make sure you align and secure your baffles correctly. Spray foam should be used to seal the connections to prevent air leakage.

Is your insulation blocking airflow and not allowing proper ventilation? Are you suffering from poor air circulation, need to improve channel airflow, reduce air leaks, or prevent mold build-up? Do you need to channel fresh and cooler air up onto the roof deck? Surprisingly even the most well-insulated attic space may still require the assistance of attic baffles to provide additional air circulation.

Baffles are devices that restrain the flow of things, like gas, fluid and air, and they are used in conjunction with attic vents. Attic Air claims that baffles ensure proper airflow and prevent vents from becoming clogged by insulation. They are made of rigid waterproof foam, cardboard, PVC or plastic and come in different lengths. They get installed on attic ceilings in between rafters at the spots where the attic ceiling meets your attic floor.

The roof's top is where exhaust vents are located. The primary function of these vents is to open your attic and allow you to escape the heat, hot, and humid air. Baffles can be confused with rafter vents. Baffles are also called rafter or soffit vents and can be found in the attic. Baffles are used to prevent insulation from blocking vents and allow air outside to flow through soffit ventilations.

Cheap Insulation Baffles
Attic Baffles Spray Foam

Attic Baffles Spray Foam

The SmartBaffle is designed to fit 16” & 24” on center rafters and can be customized for different rafter widths. SmartBaffle will support spray foam, loose-fill, fiberglass, or any other insulation materials. It is designed for rugged, unbreakable use and handling. SmartBaffle is constructed of non-collapsing material with lifetime durability. Insulation should fit loosely in the remaining rafter space to gain the maximum ‘R’ value (winter) and ‘U’ value (summer). This baffle allows 2” of airflow between rafter bays, which is more than double any competitor product. To create a wider or more narrow SmartBaffle for uneven rafter spaces, and to see the different attachment methods, please reference the installation instructions enclosed within the box.

Baffles can be made of hardcore waterproof foam. They come in lengths of 4 feet, widths of 22-1/2 inches, and a range of colors. They can be installed between the rafters and are available in white, blue, and pink. They are not necessary for every roof rafter but can be an effective way to make sure the insulation in your attic is properly sized. Rafter baffles may also be known as venting chutes (or wind baffles). These are common in roof ventilation systems. Baffles can also be placed at the eaves of your house to keep cool and dry air in and out.

Baffles made of hardcore waterproof Foam are available in four-foot lengths and 22 1/2-inch widths. They can be fitted between rafters, and they are most commonly white, pink, or blue. While they may not be necessary for every row, rafter baffles can be an excellent way to insure that the right amount of insulation is placed in your attic. Rafter baffles also go by the names venting chutes, wind baffles, and so on. These are used in roof ventilation systems. To keep your home's eaves dry and warm, you can place baffles.

How To Use Insulation Baffles

Intake vents that are blocked can make it difficult to get fresh air into your attic. This can cause heat buildup in your attic, as well as moisture buildup during winter. It is counterintuitive to think that heat shouldn't build up in your roof in winter. An ice dam can result in severe damage if your attic is too hot.

After they have been installed, you can place the blankets or batts (or blow insulation) right up to the edge of your attic floor. Note: To prevent blow insulation from getting into the soffit, blown insulation might require an additional block. This can be done by placing a piece of rigid foamboard on the outer edge the top plate.

Insulation Baffles Cardboard: Insulation baffles are a simple way to improve the air flow in your attic. They are lightweight and can be installed quickly. They help channel hot and cold air out of your attic. Also, they prevent insulation from being clogged in the soffit area.

How To Use Insulation Baffles

Foam Baffles

To install SmartBaffle, simply use a utility knife to cut it to the desired size and then slide it into place between your joists. You can also tack or nail down baffles that are made of thin polyfoil material so they stay in place while you assemble the rest of your insulation. It's as simple as that.

Ridge exhaust vents run the whole length of the roof along its edge, and they aren't visible enough to detract in any way from the roofline. Static vents can stick out but have unique covers that keep out rain, snow, hail and sleet to ensure they continue working well. Some of these static vents have enclosed fans. Powered exhaust fans have electric- or solar-powered fans that turn on when the attic temperature reaches a preset limit.

Next, measure your distance between the two rafters. The distance should be no less than four inches. The bottom edge of each baffle should meet at the roof rafters and ceiling joist. Once you have measured the distance you can begin installing the baffles. Align and secure baffles properly. Spray foam can be used to seal the connecting points to prevent air leakage.

Insulation Materials Baffles

This will mean you'll pay less in energy bills each month and feel more comfortable inside your home, even when it's cold. You'll also be able to breathe clean air while in your bedroom or living room. The insulation in your attic is continuously being cooled by the air coming from the soffits. Because it is made of fiberglass, a lot of insulation can be blown away. This is because the material becomes brittle and is tossed around by air currents. Baffles are designed to channel airflow and circulate the air better, allowing cooler air to penetrate your attic ceiling. This will help to reduce mold growth.

Experts recommend rafter venting with baffles when you need to use an attic for a living space or when open-walled gable vents and other roof vents are not doing the job of retaining the heat of the house. These baffles create narrow gaps that move fresh air from soffit vents to roof peaks. This way, homeowners have a way to more consistently stay warm or cool without having to make a more significant set of roof renovations.

Foam Insulation Bags: Foam insulation bags are a great solution to controlling temperature and airflow in your attic. They come with a range of sizes and are generally made from rigid waterproof rubber foam. These baffles can be installed between the rafters on your ceiling and keep your attic warmer in winter and cooler in summer. The insulation in your attic must be removed before you can install the baffles. To avoid irritation, use safety gear and a dust-mask. Coveralls and gloves are recommended for drywall removal. This will prevent your hands from being irritated due to the insulation.

How To Use Insulation Baffles
Insulation Baffles Zirconia

Tech Tips and critical details includes visual guidance on how to properly install ventilation baffles. It is a wonderful resource, with a simple seven step approach to correctly fitting and installing attic insulation. Another great resource on installing attic insulation baffles is this excellent video from HouseImprovements.com. Clear guidance is key in managing this vital function of the attic space.

Michigan residential construction code requires baffles to be installed in all cavities. But, Ecotelligent Homes does not consider this the gold standard. Instead, it is the minimum required. Our basic attic insulation package, which goes above and beyond the minimum code requirements, includes air sealing exterior top plates and baffle installation in each cavity. (Artwork courtesy Amanda Godward, our clever engineer).

We are the specialists in home performance and insulation servicing southeast Michigan. Call us today to book your Comprehensive Home Energy Audit. Find out more about our industry-leading practices that can increase the comfort, efficiency and durability in your home.

Insulation Baffles Zirconia