Rafter baffles are sheets of plastic foam or cardboard that fit between the rafters in your attic to prevent moisture accumulation and add insulation to your home.
How to make attic ventilation baffles.
The deeper the insulation the longer the baffles have to be.
Locate the soffit vents in the eaves of your home.
The rigid foam is cut to be 2 inches wider than the space between rafters then 1 inch of foam is scored and folded over on either side of the foam creating standoffs that hold the foam away from the roof sheathing providing a space for air to flow.
Staple the edges into place with the staple gun making sure they are lined up correctly and securely.
Rafter baffles should be installed before dry wall or insulation.
Measure the distance between your rafters and purchase enough rafter vent baffles to install one over each.
It may be easiest to locate and mark them from below.
In a traditional cape cod house with 4 foot kneewalls there are two ways to install ventilation baffles.
Put the straight est edge of the block at the baffle fold.
The preferred way is for the baffles to begin above the ventilated soffit and extend all the way to the small attic above the second floor ceiling.
Attach a headlamp to your hard hat to free up your hands as you work.
Firmly pass the scissors handle across the tape.
1 2 inch foil faced rigid foam insulation.
You will need a baffle for each space between the rafters.
How to install attic rafter vent baffles step 1.
As with attic floor insulation moisture and heat removal are the reasons for creating proper air.
Put on your safety gear.
Set the baffles and a loaded staple gun inside the attic opening and boost yourself into the attic.
Fit each one snuggly in the bay with the bottom starting where the ceiling joist meets the roof rafter.
Baffles establish a channel for air to circulate between the insulation and the roof sheathing.