Vaulted Roof Ventilation

A balanced system of soffit and ridge ventilation provides continuous ventilation of hot moist air at the hottest point of the roof.

Vaulted roof ventilation.

In my proposed cathedral ceiling detail sketch at left i want to use a reflective foil between the insulation and the roof sheathing to double as a radiant barrier and a cathedral ceiling ventilation space liner. My inspector said it needs ventilation ridge vent soffit vents. Without an attic baffle there will not be any air space for fresh air to enter the attic from the soffit vents. I m buying a house in colorado and the house has a vaulted cathedral ceiling such that both the plywood sheathing and the ceiling sheetrock are attached to opposite sides of the rafters i e.

Choose one of the following products to meet the recommended exhaust nfva of 528 square inches. Ventsure 4 foot strip heat moisture ridge vent with weather protector moisture barrier. A ridge vent features an open strip along the length of the ridge where the air that enters the soffit can escape. If properly installed between the rafters on top of the ceiling material drywall plaster paneling sheets etc there should be approximately 2 of space left above it which allows air to flow between the bottom and top of the roof.

Ideal installation would also include vent chutes baffles secured to roof decking which ensures proper insulation spacing and undisturbed air flow. 27 lineal feet required. Vent the roof deck if the attic space is going to be conditioned either for living or mechanical purposes or if a home design calls for a vaulted ceiling provision r806 3 in the international residential code calls for the roof deck above the space to be vented continuously from the eave to the ridge. In the case of a cathedral vault where the interior ceiling is parallel to the exterior roof line installing skylights is a simple process.

Cathedral vaulted or any ceiling that has insulation blocking the airflow from the soffit vents to the attic needs an attic baffle in each rafter bay. In no case should the amount of exhaust ventilation exceed the amount of intake ventilation. The roofer who did the job for the sellers says it does not. Always have a balanced ventilation system.

In a vaulted roof a ridge vent serves as the outtake or exhaust vent. Ventsure 4 foot strip heat moisture ridge vent. Cathedral ceiling ventilation insulation. James french suffern ny.