A roof-replacement ventilation checklist for confirming vented versus unvented attic design, adopted-code or approved net-free-area calculation, balanced intake and exhaust, open soffit airflow, exhaust placement, bath and dryer terminations, baffles, product compatibility, and documentation.
6 items to check
Vent openings should not be added or removed until the intended thermal, air, and moisture-control assembly is known. An unvented assembly requires its own approved insulation, air-control, and moisture design rather than accidental partial ventilation.
The design should use the adopted code or approved design criteria, actual vented area, manufacturer net-free-area values, and any conditions for intake and exhaust distribution. A generic count of vents is not a calculation.
Soffit, eave, edge, or other approved intake vents should remain open, protected, and connected to the vented space without blockage by insulation, paint, debris, framing, solid blocking, or incompatible retrofit details.
Ridge, box, off-ridge, turbine, powered, or other exhaust vents should be compatible with the roof and attic geometry, placed to serve the intended space, cut and fastened as instructed, and coordinated to avoid short-circuiting or weather entry.
Mechanical and appliance exhaust systems should follow their adopted requirements and manufacturer instructions, terminate at approved exterior locations, remain connected and supported, and not discharge moisture, lint, grease, or combustion products into the attic or ordinary roof vent system.
The owner should receive an as-built record of active and abandoned vents, product models and net-free areas, calculation basis, attic photos, baffles and insulation corrections, mechanical exhaust terminals, and maintenance limitations.
Use this checklist before cutting new roof vents or closing the roof system. Ventilation is not improved simply by adding more exhaust openings. The correct approach depends on whether the assembly is designed as a vented attic or an unvented roof, the adopted code, air sealing and insulation, roof geometry, climate, and selected roof and vent manufacturers.
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