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Attic ventilation baffles before insulation checklist

A pre-cover attic ventilation checklist for confirming the approved vented or unvented roof strategy, documenting soffit and other intake openings, installing durable baffles that maintain the designed air path, protecting insulation from wind washing, keeping roof vents, fans and mechanical exhaust distinct, preserving clearances at roof decks and eaves, sealing the ceiling boundary below, coordinating narrow bays and obstructions and photographing each eave before insulation hides the intake and baffle work.

6 items to check

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The roof is confirmed as a vented attic, unvented conditioned assembly or another approved design

Critical item

Vented and unvented strategies should not be mixed casually.

Actual intake openings and net area assumptions are documented

Critical item

A perforated soffit appearance does not prove an open air path.

Baffles are continuous, secured and sized to preserve the required air channel

Critical item

Loose or crushed baffles can fail after insulation placement.

Eave dams and baffle edges control wind washing while allowing intake

Critical item

Insulation should not be displaced or blown into soffits.

Bathroom, kitchen and dryer exhausts remain separate from attic ventilation

Critical item

Mechanical exhaust should terminate outdoors as designed.

Every accessible eave and obstruction is photographed before insulation

Critical item

Hidden intake work should be verifiable.

Use before insulation at eaves. Do not add vents indiscriminately to an unvented roof assembly; the approved roof strategy controls. Do not enter unsafe attics or crawlspaces, step between framing, disturb suspect vermiculite or other hazardous materials, cover exposed electrical hazards, block combustion air or vents, seal active moisture, or work near hot flues and recessed fixtures without required clearances and qualified review. Air sealing can change building pressures and combustion behavior.

Reference standards

  • A current home energy assessment where appropriate, locally adopted building, energy, fire, mechanical and electrical requirements, approved project details, climate and moisture conditions, existing combustion equipment, hazardous-material findings, permits and inspections, utility or rebate program rules, and exact air-sealing, insulation, ventilation, firestop and equipment instructions
  • Adopted roof ventilation and energy requirements, approved roof assembly and baffle or insulation instructions

    • Tools

  • Energy bills, plans, attic and crawlspace records, equipment data, permits, rebate requirements, photographs and material certificates
  • Camera, flashlight, tape, depth markers, ruler and owner-safe observation tools; qualified blower-door, pressure, infrared, moisture, combustion and electrical measurements where appropriate
  • Qualified energy assessor, insulation and air-sealing contractor, electrician, HVAC or combustion-safety professional, roofer and environmental specialist as needed

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