Connecting different attics

I live in Minnesota and had an issue with ice damns last year. I had an insulation company come out last week. He said I had plenty of insulation in the middle, but could use some more on the edges. He also said two things I have questions about:

1. My house was built with no garage or 4 seasons porch, but these were added later and the attic for the house and garage are separate (and the 4 season porch simply has batt insulation that we can only get at by taking down the wood ceiling pieces). The company said they would cut the boards so it is all connected upstairs to get better airflow. This sounds like it makes sense, but I'm just wondering if that is a universal opinion and is cutting the board between the garage and house creates any fire issues? (see pics)

2. The rafter vents were never attached in my attic. They say they would remove all of these and install new ones. Is this necessary? (see pics)

Thanks in advance.

 

1. No fire issue. Wood is not a fire barrier material.

2. If you have soffit vents and they were installed without removing the wood underneath to allow airflow they should be removed, an opening cut in the wood and the vents reinstalled.

You need to create airflow. That means a place for air to enter AND exit. So, just opening up the soffit vents won't accomplish much. You should also have ridge/gable vents or some other type of through roof vents near the top of the roof to allow air to escape.

 

Thanks for the response. On #2 you mention the soffit vents. This probably shows my lack of knowledge in insulation, but I'm referring to the styrofoam pieces in the bottom picture that are laying on top of the insulation (maybe I named them incorrectly). I was told they just placed them there without attaching them. There is airflow from the soffit, as you can see in the bottom photo as well since there is light coming in from underneath. There also is a ridge vent as well. I guess my biggest question (besides what those styrofoam pieces are for) is should the garage attic and house attic (and 4 season porch attic) be connected or is that unnecessary if there is already airflow? The house was built in 1993, and the garage and 4 season porch within a couple years.