- Seen way too many “solid” roofs with zero airflow, just like you said... recipe for disaster.
- Trusses or rafters, doesn’t matter if the attic can’t breathe.
- I always check for blocked soffits and missing baffles—big red flags.
- Ventilation’s not optional, especially in humid spots.
- Had a client stuff insulation tight once—mold city six months later.
- Strong roof + good airflow = happy attic (and fewer headaches).
Had a place last winter where the homeowner had gorgeous new trusses, but the insulation was jammed right up to the roof deck—no baffles, soffits totally blocked. Six months later, black mold everywhere. Doesn’t matter how strong your framing is if you choke off airflow. I see it all the time... folks focus on structure and forget the basics. Ventilation’s not just a box to tick, especially in damp climates.
I ran into something similar when I redid my attic insulation last year. I’d always assumed more insulation was better, but after reading up on it, I realized I’d basically blocked off the soffit vents with batts. Didn’t notice any mold, but I did get a weird musty smell after a few months—turns out, the air just wasn’t moving up there. I had to pull everything back, install baffles, and make sure the vents were clear. It’s wild how easy it is to overlook airflow when you’re focused on R-value or structural upgrades.
I get why people focus on the framing—trusses look impressive and feel solid—but if you don’t let the roof “breathe,” you’re just asking for trouble. I’m in the Pacific Northwest, so moisture’s always lurking. I’m still not sure if I’d go with rafters or trusses if I had to do it over, but either way, I’d pay way more attention to ventilation from the start. It’s not just about ticking a box; it really does make a difference.
Yeah, I made the same mistake with insulation—thought I was being clever, but just ended up trapping all the moisture. You’d think after crawling around in itchy fiberglass for hours, you’d get it right the first time... Ventilation’s one of those things you only notice when it goes wrong. Trusses look cool and all, but if the air can’t move, it’s like building a sauna up there.
Ventilation’s one of those things you only notice when it goes wrong.
Couldn’t agree more. I went with trusses for my garage, thinking it’d be a breeze, but didn’t factor in how much they’d block airflow. Ended up with condensation dripping in winter—total pain. Next time, I’m leaving more room for vents, even if it means a little less storage.
