Common Roof Insulation Ventilation Problems

When installing roof insulation, there are some common problems that people experience with venting. Venting is important as a way to prevent moisture from building up inside your attic. Read on to learn about common problems and some steps you can take to fix them.

Not Using Enough Insulation

As heat rises in a home, a lot will be lost through the roof of a property. This means that roof insulation is extremely important. If you install too little insulation, it won't be able to do its job properly and will still allow too much heat to escape. The only way the insulation will be thick enough to retain as much heat as possible.

Not Understanding the Importance of Vents

All attics should have vents, these are opening in the roof which will allow the moisture in the attic to replace. If the moisture isn't allowed to escape then it will cause it to build up. This can cause damage to the insulation material and could make it lose its insulation properties. This means that the roof insulation will no longer be as effective as it was before.

Normally a single vent is needed per 300 square feet of attic space. If there aren't any vapor barriers fitted then double the number of vents will typically be used.

Not Using Baffle Boards

When fitting insulation baffle boards should be installed around vents to keep them unobstructed and free. This will allow them to work as they are designed to. Baffle boards should be cut to the right size and shape and then fixed securely in position. Baffle boards need to be purchased separately and are useful ways of protecting the vents. Baffle boards can be cut using a saw or utility knife depending on your requirements.

Not Keeping Vents Free

The vents must be kept free so that they can remove the moisture from the air. If the vents are obstructed in any way then this will affect the ability of your roof to remove moisture. This could allow the insulation itself to absorb water like a sponge which will damage it and potentially cause it to be damaged.

Not Increasing Vents

If any louvers are fitted onto the vents then this will restrict the airflow. In order to allow for these, you will need to increase the size or the number of vents to ensure that air can flow properly. If you are adjusting anything with the vents then make sure you check whether or not you need to add extra vents.

Not Insulating the Door

Many people go to a lot of effort to insulate the whole of their attic space and neglect to actually insulate the door. The attic door must be insulated to prevent heat from escaping out of your home.

When installing roof insulation the most important thing is that you don't accidentally cover or block the vents. The vents must be allowed to breathe so that moisture can be removed from the space inside the attic. Without these vents, the moisture has the possibility of collecting and causing harm to the insulation.