Energy Star Attic Insulation 3 - Installing Rafter Vents

To completely cover your attic floor with insulation out to the eaves, you need to install rafter vents (also called insulation baffles). Completely covering the attic floor along with sealing air leaks will ensure you get the best performance from your insulation. Rafter vents ensure the soffit vents are clear and there is a channel for outside air to move into the attic at the soffits and out through the gable or ridge vent.

To install the rafter vents, staple them directly to the roof decking. Rafter vents come in 4 ft. lengths and 14-1/2 and 22-1/2 in. widths. They are readily available at home centers.

Rafter vents should be placed in your attic ceiling in between the rafters at the point where your attic ceiling meets your attic floor. Once they are in place, you can then place the batts or blankets, or blow insulation, right out to the very edge of the attic floor.

 

Place Rafter Vents

Place rafter vents in between the rafters where the ceiling meets the floor.

 

 

Add Insulation

Add insulation around the rafter vent and out to the edge of the attic floor.

 

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