Roof performance is more than just durable roofing shingles. To maximize the performance and durability of your roof, you will need a complete roofing solution that includes ventilation and insulation products.

These elements combine to offer additional comfort and support:

• Increase the lifespan of your roof
• Reduce your heating and cooling expenses
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Reduced Roof Problems by Attic Ventilation + Insulation

Combining attic insulation with a balanced ventilation scheme keeps heat and moisture out of your home. This action ensures that the temperature and conditions are maintained correctly throughout the year.

Heat and moisture trapped in your attic can cause severe damage to your roof or home.

• Ice dams prevent water runoff
• Premature roof material failure
• Roof deck with a wet, wood-sagging roof
• Metal rust (nailheads)
• Mold, spores, and fungi
• Interior damage

What is Attic Ventilation?

Attic ventilation removes moisture and a hot, stagnant atmosphere while keeping conditioned air in the house. Proper ventilation helps maintain a comfortable temperature in your home’s attic. In addition, adequate ventilation allows for natural airflow and manages moisture.

Properly ventilated attics in cold temperatures help to reduce ice dams and minimize frost buildup in attics. In hot temperatures, however, you can also use them to reduce excessive heat and moisture.

Ventilation: The ABCs

Three fundamental principles are essential for proper ventilation. These are often referred to as “The ABCs” of ventilation in the construction industry.

• A = Ample Amount
• B = Balanced
• C = Control Air Flow

A = Ample Amount

International Residential Code (IBC) and International Building Code (IRC) both require a minimum ventilation ratio (one square foot of vent space for every 150 square feet attic/roof) of 1:50. This ratio can be decreased to 1:1300 if certain conditions are met, such as balanced ventilation. For specific requirements, check local codes. We recommend using a ratio of 1:150 with balanced intake-exhaust ventilation to achieve the best results.

It is essential to have enough vent space where the vent area on the roof is equally important.

Balance is essential to maintaining a healthy system.

B = Balanced

Proper ventilation requires a balance between intake and exhaust vents (50% intake, 50% exhaust). The exhaust vents, typically located near the roof’s ridge or off-ridge vents, pull air from the attic. This aspect creates negative pressure and a vacuum in the attic.

Negative pressure is a real pain.

Install intake vents in the soffits or roof slopes below the eaves. It would help if you had at least equal intake ventilation to balance the exhaust ventilation. Otherwise, the attic’s negative pressure can pull air from your home. This means that the air used to heat or cool your home is being drawn into the attic through cracks in walls, ceilings, lighting fixtures, or joints within its framing. It can make your home uncomfortable and waste your money.

The balance of airflow helps keep the conditioned air in the house and away from the attic. 

C = Control Air Flow

Insulating and properly sealing an attic space can prevent conditioned air from entering the attic. This will make it more comfortable. Insulation helps save money on heating and cooling costs and maintains the right temperature in your attic. A thick layer of insulation keeps the heat out of your attic in winter and in summer.

It would be best if you seal any air leaks and insulation.

Controlling Air Flow: How Insulation Works

Heat flows from warmer areas to colder ones until both temperatures are the same. Winter heat flows from indoor heated spaces to unheated areas, such as your attic or garage, basement, and even outside.

Insulation is a way to prevent heat from escaping to other places. Insulation, in other words, keeps your heated interiors warm and toasty while keeping heat from running to unheated areas.

This application is reversed in the summer, with insulation helping to regulate airflow and keep your cooled air cool.

What is R-Value, and how does it work?

The R-value, thermal resistance, expresses insulation resistance to conductive heat flows. The insulation’s resistance to heat flow is generally more significant if the R-value is higher.

R-value can be increased by increasing insulation thickness. For example, the R-value of loose fiberglass insulation will increase if it is thicker than other insulation. However, this is not a problem as there is plenty of space in attics for insulation to be added.

Loose fill insulation has the advantage of being able to blow insulation up to the desired thickness.

The minimum R-value levels vary depending on the building codes and geographic areas. The Department of Energy offers valuable information on insulation recommendations for floors, walls, and attics in different regions of the United States. Most jurisdictions also enforce the Energy Conservation Code. It sets minimum insulation R-values that are based on the local climate.

Benefits of Attic Insulation

Properly installing attic insulation can be suitable for your roof, wallet, and the environment. In addition, insulating your attic can be one of the best ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Sealing Attic Leaks Can Help You Save Money and Energy

Did you know that as much as 40% of air leakage can occur through your attic floor?

Air sealing your attic floor or adding insulation can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 15%. 

If you don’t first identify and seal any air leaks, adding insulation to an already drafty space will not make much difference.

Our homes are often humid because they have a lot of moisture. Problems can arise from excessive moisture in the attic. To prevent air from entering the attic, seal cracks and joints. You can identify potential leakages by looking at the roof deck or water spots in the rafters.

Before you continue, contact a professional roofer if there are signs of water leakage.

Air leakage is most common around dropped soffits and recessed lighting. 

Heating your home in winter can quickly become expensive if you live in an area with cold winters. To save money and keep the winter chill at bay, some people may lower the thermostat by adding a sweater and maybe even turn down the heat. However, this strategy is not always practical.

If you have an attic that is not finished, it is worth air sealing and adding insulation to keep your heating costs down. This action will allow heat to stay where it belongs, in your living spaces.

Suppose your home is in a hot climate or an area with hot summers. In that case, you will know the challenges in keeping your home comfortable without spending a lot on air conditioning. Attic insulation is a great way to lessen outdoor heat and stabilize indoor temperatures.

You should adhere to the state and local R-value guidelines in order to install roofing materials that comply with all codes and standards.

Fiberglass insulation: What does it mean?

Fiberglass fibers are used to make blankets and batts. Molten glass comprises silica sand, chemicals, and natural minerals. This material reduces the thermal energy transfer and improves sound absorption.

How to Install Fiberglass Insulation In Your Attic

Fiberglass insulation is one of the most accessible insulation products you can use. Fiberglass batts are easy to install at home as they can be unrolled and applied to the spaces between joists and rafters. In addition, many fiberglass insulation products are available with or without facing in various thicknesses.

Get help from a professional such as Roofing Repair Sherborn MA if you are unsure how to install insulation correctly.

You can rent a system from local retailers in your area if you are interested in installing blown-in insulation in your attic.

To prevent insulation from getting blown into your attic, install baffles before installing attic insulation.

What type of insulation is best for an attic?

Attics can be insulated with fiberglass batts and blown in loose-fill insulation. The specifics of your home will determine the type of insulation you use.

• Roof slope
• How easy it is to walk around in the attic space

Ask a professional roofer or certified energy professional if you aren’t sure which type of insulation to use.

What is the cost of insuring an attic?

The cost of insuring an attic depends on your type of insulation. To get a better idea of what it will cost, you can check prices at your local Home Improvement Center.

Tip: Use the square footage of your attic as a guideline to determine how much insulation is needed for the attic floor.

What insulation R-value is required for my attic?

U.S. Department of Energy has compiled a list of recommended R-values. You can also choose to divide the house into zones. You’ll need to take into consideration local building codes as well as the recommendations of your contractor.

Is fiberglass insulation worth adding to my attic?

Absolutely. Insulating your attic properly can prevent heat from escaping in winter and help moderate indoor temperatures during summer. You should add insulation to the attic floor if you have the space.