Glossary · Insulation & windows
Soffit vent and baffle
Also called: soffit vent · soffit vents · baffle · baffles · rafter vents · insulation baffles
Soffit vents let outside air into the attic at the eaves, and baffles keep insulation from blocking that airflow.
What it means
Most pitched attics are ventilated: air enters through vents in the soffit (the underside of the roof overhang) and leaves through roof or ridge vents. Baffles fixed between the rafters hold insulation back from the eaves so air can still flow, and insulation stops keep loose-fill from spilling into the soffits. Powered attic fans are usually a poor idea, because they can pull conditioned house air into the attic through ceiling leaks.
Why it matters in an audit
Adding insulation without baffles can block ventilation and trap moisture in the attic, so audits check for them.