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The homeowner thought they’d saved money on install, but it cost them way more in remediation.
- Been there. I tried to shave a few bucks off my last attic job by skipping the “fancy” baffles—big mistake.
- Mold started showing up, and suddenly my “savings” went straight to the cleaning guy.
- Lesson learned: cheaping out on venting = expensive regrets.
- Now I double-check those soffits like I’m looking for buried treasure.
- Not glamorous, but way cheaper than replacing insulation... or, you know, breathing spores.
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into a “new” build and found blocked soffits or missing baffles. People think it’s just about insulation, but if the air can’t move, you’re basically asking for mold. I always run through a checklist: clear soffits, baffles in every bay, ridge vent actually open (not stuffed with insulation). It’s not glamorous work, but it’s way easier than dealing with a remediation bill. Funny how the “little” stuff ends up being the big headache later.
Funny how the “little” stuff ends up being the big headache later.
Ain’t that the truth. I’ve lost count of how many attic inspections turn into a game of “find the hidden soffit.” Last month, I found a whole stretch blocked off by someone’s idea of “extra insulation”—looked more like they were tucking in the house for winter. Folks get so focused on R-value, they forget airflow is what keeps the roof from turning into a science experiment. It’s not glamorous, but man, it saves a ton of headaches (and money) down the road.
Folks get so focused on R-value, they forget airflow is what keeps the roof from turning into a science experiment.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually seen a few new builds where the insulation was done right and the airflow still wasn’t enough. Sometimes it’s not just about blocked soffits or too much insulation—it’s the design itself. If the builder skimps on ridge vents or doesn’t plan for cross-ventilation, you can have perfect insulation and still end up with condensation issues. I always double-check vent placement before blaming the insulation job.
I get what you’re saying, but honestly, I think people blame vent design too fast. I’ve seen plenty of jobs where the vents were fine, but the insulation crew stuffed batts right up against the roof deck and killed airflow. Even with perfect vent placement, if the insulation blocks the path, you’re still gonna get moisture problems. Sometimes it’s just sloppy install, not always a design flaw.
