That’s the thing—just adding vents doesn’t do much if the airflow’s blocked by insulation or debris. I’ve run into that in a few older houses, especially where previous owners just kept piling in more fiberglass without checking the baffles. Sometimes I see folks blame the roof when it’s really a ventilation mess underneath. Has anyone tried those rigid foam chutes? Curious if they actually hold up over time, or if they just get knocked loose like everything else.
Those foam chutes (baffles) are a mixed bag in my experience. I’ve seen them hold up fine in attics where nobody’s crawling around, but in houses where folks are up there running wires or adding insulation, they get knocked loose pretty easily. I’ve even found a few just lying flat under a pile of old insulation, totally useless. If you’re careful during install and don’t overstuff the insulation, they can work, but I wouldn’t count on them staying put forever, especially in older homes with a lot of attic traffic. Sometimes the old cardboard baffles actually hold up better, weirdly enough.
Sometimes the old cardboard baffles actually hold up better, weirdly enough.
Funny you mention that—I’ve had the same experience. The foam ones look slick but I swear, every time I go up there to check on things, at least one’s shifted or gotten squished. Cardboard seems to just hang in there, even after a few years of crawling around up there. Maybe it’s just less slippery? Either way, you’re right about not overstuffing insulation. That’s where I messed up once and had to redo a whole section. Live and learn...
Cardboard baffles are the underdog, honestly. I used to think foam was the “upgrade,” but after a couple winters, the foam ones just looked sad—crushed or half out of place. Cardboard’s not fancy, but it doesn’t slide around and seems to handle attic humidity better than I expected. Only thing is, if you ever get a leak, that cardboard can get funky fast... but then again, if you’ve got leaks, baffles are the least of your worries.
if you ever get a leak, that cardboard can get funky fast... but then again, if you’ve got leaks, baffles are the least of your worries.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve had both types and honestly, foam just doesn’t hold up in my drafty old attic. Cardboard’s cheap and does the job, but yeah, if water’s getting in, you’ve got bigger fish to fry. I’d rather swap out a soggy baffle than deal with moldy insulation or rotten rafters. For me, keeping the vents clear and insulation dry is half the battle against ice dams.