NAIMA has released two new instructional guides for insulation contractors and other building industry professionals. The guides cover best practices for two common construction options: vented roofs for cathedralized attics and vented attics for new homes.
Vented Attics for New Homes: Solutions That Work
This manual provides information and details on installing a vented attic in a new-construction home. It is organized around building science principles that maximize assembly performance, including proper air sealing, ventilation, and insulation installation to limit energy loss or heat gain.
A properly installed vented attic improves energy efficiency, prevents moisture damage, and extends roof life. This guide helps contractors learn the critical steps to deliver optimal performance.
Vented Roofs for Cathedralized Attics: Solutions That Work
This handbook provides an overview of the climate-zone-specific best practices for designing and installing compact vented roof assemblies for conditioned attics.
Because insulation in a compact vented roof is installed directly beneath the roof sheathing, little space remains for drying if water vapor accumulates. Ventilation channels above the insulation help remove incidental moisture and reduce the risk of condensation within the assembly. Ventilation also supports shingle durability and helps moderate heat buildup at the roof surface. When done correctly, vented roofs for cathedralized attics deliver efficiency, comfort, and durability. This guide can help contractors nail those details.
Additional Guides Released This Year
The guides are the latest in a series of instructional manuals (four total) for building industry professionals, developed for NAIMA by Construction Instruction, a nationally recognized building science company dedicated to helping the construction industry build better, more durable, and energy-efficient homes.
Other guides in the series include:
- Unvented Roofs for Conditioned Attics: Solutions That Work, which details the design principles and installation details for unvented conditioned attics. Done right, these details control moisture, extend the life of mechanical equipment, and turn otherwise wasted attic space into conditioned square footage.
- Retrofitting Vented Attics: Solutions That Work explains the critical steps to upgrade existing attics to improve comfort and energy efficiency, prevent moisture issues, and keep roofing materials durable.