Unvented Attic Metal Roof

Should you vent a metal roof.

Unvented attic metal roof.

They are designed without ventilation openings and the attic is conditioned like the rest of the living space. In many cases for existing homes this is the easier way to go. However if moisture is able to enter the unvented attic space it may lead to roofing panel issues. In an unvented attic penetrations through the ceiling directly below the attic do not need to be air sealed.

He says by detailing the air barrier correctly especially the connection between the roof air barrier and the wall air barrier designers can ensure an unvented metal roof design is airtight vapor tight and functional. Lstiburek says common failures in unvented metal roof designs include seams in insulated metal panels not being sealed correctly and missing air barriers in metal roof panel systems. Unvented roofs operate by the principle that venting is not necessary to control moisture accumulation. This is because the top floor ceiling is no longer the air barrier for the house the spray foam at the roof deck underside in the attic is the air barrier.

Unventilated attics can help to mitigate energy loss through leaky ducts or ceiling fittings. This document provides a brief description of different types of unvented roof assemblies and the benefits of unvented roof construction. As unvented attics are now code approved through the icc is the mra planning on adopting new guidelines. The other option of course is a vented attic which requires an equal balance of intake and exhaust vents.

Metal roofing works well with this because the metal is unaffected by heat not being able to pass through it and enter the attic. The unvented attic space is completely within the building thermal envelope. I ll soon be building in texas a 2000 sq ft. These assemblies are created by eliminating ventilation openings and moving the thermal moisture and air control boundaries to the plane of the roof deck.

I ve read elsewhere on this forum venting of attics is required for metal roofs. Section 1203 3 says unvented attics where ceilings are applied directly to the underside of the roof framing members are permitted when all of the following conditions are met. In the process of construction currently have a standing seam metal room installed over synthetic felt over osb. Should you opt to run ductwork or place mechanical systems in the attic an unvented roof is best for avoiding thermal penalties as the ductwork will be located in a conditioned space allowing the system to recover thermal losses through the ducts.

Unvented roof assemblies are becoming an increasingly common construction alternative to traditional vented roofs. Unvented roof assemblies such as conditioned attics and unvented cathedral ceilings are becoming common in north american construction. There will be ducting and other hvac equipment in the attic. Ted storm posted in energy efficiency and durability on april 27 2011 09 53am.