Back to glossary

Baffle (attic)

A baffle is a channel that keeps an air path open from soffit vents into the attic above the insulation.

Insulation, Air Sealing, and Ventilation

Why it matters

It keeps insulation from blocking ventilation, which helps manage moisture and temperature.

Where people get this wrong

Baffles do not add insulation. They protect airflow. A vented attic needs airflow above insulation, not through insulation.

Real-world example

A crew blows in attic insulation and it piles into the eaves, blocking airflow. Months later, mold shows up on the roof deck. Baffles would have prevented the block.

Where this hits your build

This affects comfort, energy costs, and indoor air quality. It gets locked behind drywall, so decisions here need to be right before finishing starts.

Most people do not just struggle with terms. They struggle with the decisions tied to them.

See how HouseChalk helps with the decisions behind terms like this