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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). Complete coverage of 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-foot lengths and
14-1/2 and 22-1/2 inch widths for different rafter spacings. 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. Note: Blown insulation may require an
additional block to prevent insulation from being blown into the soffit. A piece of rigid
foam board placed on the outer edge of the top plate works very well for this.