Attic hatches are sneaky like that—mine was basically a built-in exhaust fan for years and I had no clue. Foam board and weatherstripping made a night-and-day difference for me too, especially during those windy January nights. As for baffles, I get what you mean. Some of the ones they sell at the big box stores feel like they’d collapse if a squirrel so much as looked at them funny. I ended up swapping out the cheap cardboard ones for rigid plastic after one literally folded in half when I tried to adjust it.
And yeah, random insulation in weird spots is almost a rite of passage with older houses. Found a whole chunk stuffed behind my chimney—no idea if it was supposed to be there or if some previous owner just got lazy. If your attic’s a squirrel playground, you’re not alone... mine had enough acorn shells to start a small forest.
If you’re worried about airflow, I’d double-check that insulation isn’t blocking any soffit vents. That’s where things can go sideways fast—moisture, mold, the works. It’s not always pretty up there, but getting the basics right really does pay off.
Totally agree, those cardboard baffles are a joke—mine lasted about a season before they were toast. I switched to the rigid foam ones and haven't looked back. Curious—did you end up sealing around your chimney too? I found a bunch of air leaks there that made a big difference once I tackled them.
- Cardboard baffles were a total waste for me too—mice chewed through them and they just collapsed after the first winter. Rigid foam’s held up way better, especially with the wild temp swings we get here in Michigan.
- Sealing around the chimney was a game changer. Used high-temp caulk and some metal flashing—noticed way less draft in the upstairs rooms after that.
- Did you do anything about the attic hatch? Mine was leaking a ton of air, so I added weatherstripping and a bit of rigid foam on the back. Not perfect, but it helped.
- Curious if you ran into any issues with insulation getting blown around near the baffles? I had to add some netting to keep it from drifting and blocking airflow.
- Anyone else have trouble with ice dams even after all this? I still get a little along the north side, but it’s way better than before.
Did you do anything about the attic hatch? Mine was leaking a ton of air, so I added weatherstripping and a bit of rigid foam on the back. Not perfect, but it helped.
Weatherstripping the hatch is a must—seen way too many drafts come through those. I also use a latch to keep it snug, otherwise it just pops open a crack in winter. For baffle issues, I’ve had better luck with plastic than foam or cardboard. Mice seem to ignore the plastic, but maybe they’re just picky at my place. Ice dams are still a pain on the north side here too, even after all the sealing and extra insulation... Michigan winters just don’t quit.
Ice dams are still a pain on the north side here too, even after all the sealing and extra insulation... Michigan winters just don’t quit.
Tell me about it—ice dams are relentless up here. I’ve found that even with good airflow and insulation, if the gutters aren’t kept clear, you’re fighting a losing battle. Had one year where I thought I’d done everything right, then got a mini waterfall in the mudroom. Sometimes it feels like you’re just managing the problem, not solving it.
