Attic work
Vents, baffles and insulation, in that order
Insulation can only do its job if the air can still move. So we open the vents first, hold the gap with baffles, then talk about depth.
Soffit vents cleared and, where there are none, cut in
Baffles stapled between the rafters at every vent
Ridge vent sized to the soffit vents, so air in matches air out
Bath and kitchen fans ducted outside, not into the attic
Two ways to vent an attic
Intake and exhaust, or gable vents alone
Gable vents are common and cheaper to leave as they are. Here is what each way relies on, so you can decide.
| Gable vents alone | Intake and exhaust | |
|---|---|---|
| Where air comes in | Gable vents aloneA vent in one gable wall | Intake and exhaustSoffit vents low at the eaves |
| Where it leaves | Gable vents aloneA vent in the other gable wall | Intake and exhaustA vent along the ridge, high on the roof |
| What it relies on | Gable vents aloneWind blowing from the right direction | Intake and exhaustOpen soffit vents and baffles that hold the gap |
| Where it falls short | Gable vents aloneAir near the eaves can sit still | Intake and exhaustMore parts to install and to keep clear |
The attic check
What Uriel looks for
Stains and daylight
Dark rings on the deck or a pinhole of sky mean water or a gap.
Blocked vents
Insulation pushed over the soffit vents, or paint across them.
Insulation depth
Measured with a rule in several spots, and noted on the estimate.
Fans venting inside
A bath fan that ends in the attic puts damp air where you do not want it.
Wet or cracked wood
Pressed with a screwdriver, marked, and priced per sheet if it has to go.
Old loose-fill
If it might be vermiculite we stop and recommend testing before any work.
About attic work
Can you add insulation without new vents?
We will tell you if we think that is a bad idea. Piling insulation over blocked vents can trap moisture, so the vents come first.
What about vermiculite?
Loose gray-brown pebbles in an attic may be vermiculite, and some vermiculite contains asbestos. We do not offer asbestos work and we do not disturb it. We tell you and recommend testing.
Will this change my energy bill?
We do not promise a number. We can tell you what we found and what we changed.
Send a photo of your attic
A text with a picture from the hatch is enough for Uriel to say what to look at.