I get where you’re coming from about always keeping that vent channel open, but I’ve actually seen a few well-done “hot roof” setups work out fine, even in colder spots. Not saying it’s for everyone—definitely more expensive and you gotta get the details right—but sometimes it solves tricky framing or retrofits where baffles just won’t fit. I do agree though, most folks are better off sticking with vented attics unless they’re ready to commit to the whole unvented system. And yeah, those weird rafter gaps are no joke... I’ve crawled out of more than one attic looking like a powdered donut.
Hot roofs make me a little twitchy, honestly—seen too many insurance claims after ice dams or hidden leaks. But yeah, I’ve also walked into a couple jobs where the unvented thing was done right and holding up fine, even up north. Key is, like you said, you can’t cut corners. One place had closed-cell spray foam packed in so tight it looked like a spaceship in there. Not cheap, but it did solve some weird framing headaches where venting was just a no-go. Still, if you’re not 100% on the details, vented’s usually safer, especially with all the wild freeze-thaw cycles we get. Those rafter gaps though... man, I’ve come out of attics looking like I lost a fight with a bag of flour more than once.
I get nervous about hot roofs too, mostly because of the cost if something goes wrong. I looked at spray foam quotes last year and nearly fell over—does it really pay off long-term? I’ve stuck with vented so far, but those rafter gaps are a pain to seal up right. Anyone else run into issues with blown-in insulation shifting around after a few years?
- Felt the same sticker shock with spray foam—my wallet basically ran away screaming.
- Ended up sticking with vented too, mostly because I could DIY some of it (with a lot of cursing and itchy arms).
- Those rafter gaps are the worst. Tried using foam board cut to fit, but it’s like playing Tetris in a sauna.
- Blown-in insulation definitely settled in spots after a couple years. Had to top it off last winter—wasn’t expecting that so soon.
- Not sure if spray foam pays off unless you’re planning to stay put for ages... or just really hate drafts.
Yeah, those rafter gaps are a pain. I’ve spent way too much time wedging foam board up there and still ended up with weird gaps. Blown-in settling is real—happened to my place too, and I had to crawl back up and add more. Honestly, unless you’re sealing up a super drafty old house, spray foam feels like overkill for most folks. You did what you could, and that’s more than a lot of people manage.