ATTIC CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure. The system has a barrier isolating the roof supporting structure from an interior space of the attic. The barrier is sized to substantially cover an interior surface of the roof, the barrier isolating the interior surface of the roof from the interior space of the attic. A venting region is formed between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region venting air from an outside of the building through the venting region and wherein the barrier substantially covering the interior surface of the roof prevents migration of air between the interior space of the attic and the venting region.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosed embodiments relate to an attic conditioning apparatus and method and, more particularly, to an attic conditioning and roof venting apparatus and method.

2. Brief Description of Earlier Developments

Home or commercial construction often has one or more attics above living or other suitable spaces. Typical construction may involve an attic with an insulated floor and an arrangement for venting the roof, for example, using a combination of soffit and ridge vents, gable vents or otherwise. Such an attic may be useful, for example, for storage or to house heating and ventilation equipment such as duct work, air conditioning units or otherwise. In the warm summer, a problem arises where the attic space becomes excessively heated by the sun causing heat to radiate into the living space below the attic and causing air conditioning systems to work excessively. In the cool winter, a problem arises where heat is lost through the attic from the living space resulting in heating systems running excessively and ice damming from a warm roof. Accordingly, there is a desire to reduce heating and cooling losses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and other features of the exemplary embodiments are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a isometric section view of a building structure;

FIG. 2 is a section view of an attic;

FIG. 3 is a section view of an attic;

FIG. 4 is a section view of an attic;

FIG. 5 is a section view of a panel;

FIG. 5A is a partial view of the attic showing a barrier and roof support structure in accordance with another aspect of the exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown, an isometric section view of a building structure 10 incorporating features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment and method. Although the present embodiments will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present embodiments can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

Structure 10 is shown having basement 20, first floor 24, second floor 26 and attic 28. Structure 10, is illustrated having a representative configuration, and as may be realized may have any suitable configuration in alternate embodiments. Basement 20 is shown for example, housing HVAC (Heating Venting and Air Conditioning unit) where HVAC unit 22 may distribute conditioned air through air ducts through the heated or air conditioned spaces of structure 10, for example through duct work 36 within the enclosed space of attic 28. HVAC unit 22 may, for example, condition floors 24 and 26 either alone or in combination. In alternate embodiments, HVAC unit 22 may be any suitable heating and/or cooling unit located within or remote with to any portion of structure 10. Attic 28 is located above the insulation 34 of ceiling 32 of second floor 26 of structure 10. The building structure 10B has roof supporting structure or rafters 38 covered by roof deck 40, 42. The roof deck 40, 42 and supporting structure 38 shall be referred to herein for convenience as the roof 40R. Rafters 38 may be wood framed, structural steel, trusses or any suitable structure suitable for supporting roof deck 40, 42. Roof deck 40, 42 may be have a plywood deck covered with shingles, metal roof or otherwise. In alternate embodiments, any suitable roof deck and material may be used. As seen in FIG. 1, the roof 40R, more specifically the inner surface or bottom 38R of the roof support structure 38 and the ceiling or top of ceiling 32, which maybe considered the floor of attic 28, form what may be referred to as an inner or interior attic space 60 of attic 28. Attic 28 may be provided with soffits 84 at a lower portion of rafters 38 that allow air to vent 80 (such as for example effected by natural circulation through a void 86 between rafters 38 and exit 82 through ridge vents 88 at an upper portion of rafters 38. In the embodiment shown, system 90 is provided for conditioning an interior portion 60 of attic 28 of building or structure 10 and venting roof 40, 42 supported by roof supporting structure 38, for example, rafters or other suitable structure. Here, system 90 may condition interior attic portion 60, for example, by transforming the attic from a vented attic to an unvented interior portion 60 making interior portion 60 conditioned, at least partially as part of the interior of structure 10 as opposed to the exterior of structure 10. Although system 90 will be described with respect to attic 28, the features of system 90 may be used in combination with any suitable attic space or space enclosed by one or a plurality of roof surface(s).

The system 90 is shown having barrier 50, 52 separating the bottom 38B of the roof and its support structure, isolating the roof supporting structure 38 from an interior attic space 60 of attic 28. For example, the barrier may be insulated boards 50, 52 fastened to and isolating rafters 38 from interior space 60 of attic 28. The barrier 50, 52 may be sized to substantially cover an interior surface 92, 94 of the roof 40, 42, with the barrier isolating the interior surface 92, 94 of the roof 40, 42 from interior space 60 of attic 28. The barrier 50, 52 closes the interior attic space 60 from exterior air outside the building, as will be described further below. In addition, a similar barrier 54 may be provided on studs of an exterior wall of the attic. Here, barrier 54 may be applied to gable end walls or other structures or otherwise as a foam board barrier or other suitable barrier. Here, barrier 50, 52 may be insulated boards cut and sized to substantially cover an interior surface of the roof deck 40, 42 with the insulating boards isolating the roof 50, 52 deck from the interior space 60 of the attic 28. Here, insulated boards 40, 42 may initially be sized as 4 ft. by 8 ft. sheets and cut to size as needed to form the barrier. Alternately, any suitable sizes may be provided. Seals 64 may further be applied to the insulated boards 50, 52 with seals 64 arranged to seal seams 62 formed between adjoining edges of the insulated boards 50, 52. Seals 64 may further be applied, for example, between insulated boards and roof and ceiling rafters as required to seal enclosed attic space 60. Such as from exterior air outside the building. Here venting region 86 is formed between the insulating boards or barrier 50, 52 and the interior surface of roof 40, 42, the venting region 86 venting air 80 from an outside of the building 10 through the venting region 86. In the embodiment shown, the barrier or insulating boards 50, 52 are shown covering the interior surface 92, 94 of the roof deck 40, 42, substantially in the entirety of the surface from attic floor (e.g. ceiling 32) to top 60T of enclosed attic space 60. The barrier 54 thus prevents migration of air between the interior space of the attic and the venting region 86. Venting region 86 may comprise a void between the barrier 54 (e.g. boards 50, 52) and the interior surface of the roof 40, 42, the void 86 having openings communicating with the exterior air outside the building. As may be realized also from FIGS. 2-3, the void(s) of venting regions 86 may be substantially open so that the exterior air from outside of the building may ventilate the interior surface of the roof deck effected for example via natural circulation or flow of the exterior air through the venting region (forced flow may be used if desired). As may also be seen in FIGS. 2-3 the void of the venting regions contain the roof supporting structure or rafters 38. As will be shown in greater detail below, barrier or insulating boards 50, 52, 54 may comprise insulated board having a radiant barrier. Here, the barrier 50, 52 may comprises graphite infused polystyrene foam insulated boards having a radiant barrier on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the barrier or insulated boards 50, 52. As will be shown in greater detail below, barrier or insulated boards 50, 52 may further isolate a soffit 84 at the lower portion of rafters 38 from the interior 60 space of the attic 28. Here, the venting region 86 may vent air 80 from a soffit vent through the venting region 86 to a ridge vent 88 and exit 82. As seen in FIG. 3, in accordance with another aspect, the venting region may vent air from a gable vent or otherwise, through the venting region to a ridge vent or other gable vent, suitable roof vent or otherwise from the soffit vent to gable vent. In the embodiment shown, the system may transform a vented attic to a conditioned and unvented attic 60 (substantially closed from exterior air outside the building) but with a vented roof 86, 40, 42. The system may be readily installed into existing structures and performs an attic conversion of interior space 60 from vented to unvented where a combined thermal and air boundary are provided at barrier 54 where the barrier is sealed and may be polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene or other suitable foam boards or any type of suitable boards or barrier and where boards 50, 52 may have radiant barrier on one or both sides. As will be also described, the barrier 54 may be a sprayed foam layer (e.g. Icynene foam, or polyurethane foam) applied over a base layer, such as radiant barrier layer fastened to the bottom of the roof support structure (e.g. roof rafters). The air space 86 may be formed between the top of board or radiant barrier 50 and the bottom 92 of roof deck 40 where, for example, the bottom of roof deck 40 may be 140° f or otherwise and where air between board/panels 50 and deck 40 forms a thermal barrier air space 86 with panels 50 not in contact with the lower inner surface 92 of roof deck 40. Further, panels 50 may be provided with a reflective barrier facing out and toward roof deck 40 but may be also a radiant barrier facing in toward interior region 60 where a radiant barrier may be provided on both sides of board 50 to reflect heat as desired. Here, the system results in providing an unvented attic interior space 60 with a vented roof 40, 42 resulting in a cooler attic and roof deck in the summer and a warmer attic and cooler roof deck in the winter maintaining cool air under the roof in the winter. Here, the interior region 60 may be an interior substantially air tight attic region with access for storage or other suitable use being substantially air tight to ambient air where the system substantially eliminates issues of insulation effectiveness while allowing attic access to an attic with an existing insulated floor 34 or otherwise. As the effective cross section for venting flow 80 may be reduced as compared to an attic without panels 50, an increased effective flow against the interior of roof 40 in the volume 86 between the barrier 50 and the roof 40 as the similar vent and volumetric flow through a smaller volume/cross section results in greater turn around within the volume and results in cooler more effective removal of heat from the roof. In alternate embodiments, any suitable combination of panels or barrier may be provided isolating a venting region and forming an interior region of attic 28 may be provided.

System 90 converts the interior portion 60 of attic 28 into a clean and comfortable place making building 10 more comfortable. Here, system 90 reduces heating and cooling bills, and extends the life of the roof 40, 42 and makes attic 28 useful for storage. System 90 may for example make a home 10 warmer in winter and cooler in summer and reduces drafts. System 90 converts the attic 28 from a hot in the summer, cold in the winter vented attic to a comfortable unvented attic 90 while keeping a vented 86 roof. In a traditional vented attic, the attic floor is insulated with the ducts sealed but with air leaking into the attic interior space. Here, without system 90, the air and insulation boundary is at the attic floor. With system 90, the attic becomes part of the conditioned home as the air and insulation boundaries are on the bottom of the roof instead of the attic floor. Panels 50, 52, 54 may for example use Silverglo™ expanded polystyrene foam insulation board infused with graphite and having a radiant barrier on both sides to create an energy force field under the roof and above the attic interior space. In addition to the features above, system 90 reduces outside noise from traffic, weather or otherwise, provides a cleaner and brighter attic for storage. With the system 90, improved comfort results whereas without the system 90, temperature in the attic works against HVAC equipment 22 and ducts 36, for example, when the blower comes on in the hot summer or cold winter, air blows into the house and the equipment has to work longer and harder to overcome the temperatures. With the system 90, an overall improvement in the comfort of the home results particularly upstairs. System 90 facilitates the saving of energy, eliminating hostile attic temperatures in the winter and summer putting a cut into the amount of energy required to make a home comfortable. For example, the 4 way force field from the attic system may reduce heating and cooling costs by 30 percent or more. The system results in longer roof life and fewer repairs. For example, heat and moisture destroy equipment and building materials but system 90 extends the life of the roof by locating insulation along the bottom of the roof rafters instead of against the attic floor, the cooling effect of soffit, ridge and/or gable vents is maintained and an attic barrier combined with proper roof ventilation defends against damaging ice dams. Here, maintaining ventilation within region 86 extends the life of shingles and roofing material. Here, system 90 may generally provide a 4 way force field: (e.g. air sealing reduces stack effect of conditioned air rising through structure 10 and prevents air migration between interior attic space and outdoors; sealed insulation barrier 54 isolates the attic from the thermal effects from outdoors; radiant layer of barrier reflects the heat back; ducts 36 are no longer in hostile territory). With the use of system 90, attic floor air seals may be avoided; sealed can lights with air tight boxes may be avoided; attic hatch/door/scuttle seals may be avoided; any or additional attic floor insulation may be avoided; additional separate radiant barriers may be avoided or other suitable structure may be avoided.

Without system 90 in winter, the heating system runs more as compared with system 90 installed. For example, with outside temperature at about 25° F. or less, the lower floor 24 may be 65° F. and drafty. As volumes of air leak out of the top of structure 10, equal amounts of new air must be drawn in at the bottom of structure 10. The second floor 26 may be 68° F. and drafty. In attic 28, ducts 36 are in a very cold attic and heat from the ducts are lost; fiberglass insulation 34 is wind washed from cold ventilation air diminishing its ability to insulate dramatically. Ice damming occurs from a warming roof. In contrast, with system 90 installed in building 10, the lower floor 24 may be at about 70° F. and far less drafty as far less air is leaking out of the attic 28 and far less air leaks in the bottom of structure 10 to replace it. Second floor 26 may be about 72° F. and comfortable with no drafts. In the enclosed attic space 60 of attic 28, ducts 36 are in a warm attic where heat from the ducts are not lost; radiant heat is reflected and insulation resists heat flow with no gaps. Stored items in the interior region 60 of attic 28 are clean and do not freeze. The roof is cold with no ice damming from attic heat. The roof vents the roof and not the attic resulting in lower fuel bills.

Without system 90 in summer, the air conditioning system runs more and still can't keep up with the top floor 26 heat. For example, in the basement 20, there is more humidity and condensation. Outside temperature may be 85° F. where the sun heats the roofing to 150° F. and lower floor 24 may be humid and about 79° F. Here, warm humid air leaks in and relative humidity is increased as air is cooled making the space uncomfortable. The upper floor 26 may be about 85° F. and hot and very uncomfortable for sleeping. The drywall ceiling 32 heats up and heat from the attic 28 radiates into the rooms 26. The attic 28, may be about 130° F. and air conditioning ducts 36 in the attic are baking where air from the ducts leaks in and is lost. Heat form the roof 40, 42 radiates into the attic. In contrast, with system 90 in summer, there is less humidity and condensation in the basement 20. Lower floor 24 may be about 72° F. with less drafts and more comfortable as less air leaks out of the top. Less humid air leaks in with cooler less humid air making the space more comfortable. Upper floor 26 may be about 74° F. degrees and where cooler rooms are much more comfortable for sleeping. The drywall ceiling 32 is much cooler. The inter region 60 of attic 28 may be about 77° F. with the ducts 36 in a much cooler environment where cool air from duct leaks is not lost. Cooler air vents the excess heat out where only the space between the roof and the rafters is vented as opposed to the entire attic. Stored items in the interior region 60 of attic 28 do not get baked dusty and ruined and the attic can be used for storage. Sun heats roofing to 150 degrees but lower electric bills result.

Referring again to FIG. 2, there is shown a section view of an attic 100. Attic 100 is generally similar to attic shown in FIG. 1, and is supported for example by insulated 102 wall 106 and enclosed by insulated 108 ceiling 104 that forms the floor of the attic. Rafters 114 support roof deck 112 and roofing 110. Soffit vent 124 is shown at the base of rafters 114 while ridge 115 vent 128 is shown at the top of rafters 114. The barrier 115, is similar to barrier 54 in FIG. 1, comprises panels 116 that are mated and sealed at seams 118 with a seal made by tape, foam, or other suitable sealant. As seen in FIG. 2, the barrier panels are seated against and may be fastened to the bottom of the rafters 114. Soffits 124 may be blocked and sealed between ceiling rafters 104 with barrier panels 120 and 122. Thus, as may be realized, the sealed barrier venting region is formed between barrier panels 116, 120 and 122 and roof deck 112 isolating the venting region from a conditioned interior attic space 140 of attic 100 with ambient air venting intake 126 at soffit 124 and exhaust 130 at ridge vent 128. In alternate embodiments, any suitable combination of vent(s) may be provided. In alternate embodiments, any suitable wall or other surface(s) may be covered with suitable panels to enclose interior space 140.

Referring again to FIG. 3, there is shown a section view of an attic 200 in accordance with another aspect of the exemplary embodiment. Except as noted, attic 200 is similar to attic 28 shown in FIG. 1 and supported by uninsulated knee wall 220 and insulated 216 wall 212 and enclosed by insulated 218 ceiling 214 that forms the floor of the attic. Rafters 228 support roof deck 226 and roofing 224. Soffit vent 240 is shown at the base of rafters 228 while gable vent 246 is shown just below the top of rafters 228. In this aspect of the exemplary embodiment, the barrier 254 (similar to barrier 54 in FIG. 1) may comprise panels 234, 230, 236 that are mated and sealed at seams 232 where a seal made by tape, foam, or other suitable sealant. Similar to panels 116 shown in FIG. 2, the panels 230, 234, 236 of barrier 254 may be seated against and fastened to the bottom of the support structure such as rafters 228. In the exemplary embodiment shown, panels 234 may be seated against and fastened to the bottom of collar ties that form the top of the enclosed interior attic space 260. Here, a roof with no ridge vent may be accommodated by using gable vents 246 while adding soffit vents optionally. Alternately, a ridge vent may be added, for example, to enhance venting by creating a vented plenum at the top. Soffits 240 may be blocked (with respect to interior attic space 260) and sealed between ceiling rafters 214 and rafters 228 with panel(s) 220. A venting region is formed between panels 234, 230 and 236 and roof deck 226 isolating the venting region from a conditioned interior attic space 260 of attic 200 with ambient air venting intake 242 at soffit 240 and exhaust 248 at gable vent 246. In alternate embodiments, any suitable combination of vent(s) may be provided. In alternate embodiments, any suitable wall or other surface(s) may be covered with suitable panels to enclose interior space 260.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a section view of an attic 300. Attic 300 is generally similar to attic 28, 100 described before and supported by insulated 318 wall 310 and enclosed by insulated 314 ceiling 312 (e.g. attic floor) where wall 310 and ceiling 312 may be enclosed with sheetrock or other suitable wall board 320, 316. Rafters 324 support roof deck and roofing 326. Soffit vent 330 is shown at the base of rafters 324 while a ridge vent or other suitable vent may be provided to vent air through vent region 332. Panels 334 of barrier 354 (generally similar to barriers 254, 54 described previously) are mated and sealed at seams where a seal made by tape, foam, or other suitable sealant. Soffits 330 may be blocked and sealed between ceiling rafters 312 with panels 336, 338 as shown closing the interior attic space from outside air. Here panels 336, 338 or other suitable panels may be sealed against other panels, framing or other structural materials, sheetrock 316 or otherwise to make the interior space of attic 300 sealed with respect to venting region 332 and outside air. Ceiling vents 328 may further be provided. A venting region 332 is formed between panels 334 and 326 and roof deck 326 isolating the venting region from a conditioned interior space of attic 300 with ambient air venting intake at soffit 330 and exhaust an exhaust vent. In alternate embodiments, any suitable combination of vent(s) may be provided. In alternate embodiments, any suitable wall or other surface(s) may be covered with suitable panels to enclose the interior space of attic 300. In the embodiment shown, attic 300 may further be finished, for example with sheet rock or any suitable panels 342. Here, furring strips 340 may be applied on the interior surface of insulating panels 334, for example, with screws through panel 334 into rafter 324 or otherwise. Furring strips 340 create a space, for example, ½ inch or otherwise, between the drywall 342 and foam board 334. Here, a radiant barrier on the interior surface of foam board 334 may reflect winter heat inward. In alternate embodiments, the entire attic or selective portions of the attic may selectively be finished.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a section view of a panel 360 of barrier 54, 115, 254, 354. Panels 360 may use Silverglo™ expanded polystyrene foam insulation board 362 infused with graphite and having a radiant barrier 364, 366 on both sides to create an energy force field under the roof and above the attic interior space. In alternate embodiments, any suitable barrier, panel or insulating material may be provided with one or more radiant barrier or without a radiant barrier. Referring also to FIG. 5A, there is shown a partial section view of an attic 300A, having an interior attic space 360A formed by a barrier system 90A and barrier 354A, as generally described previously for interior attic space 60, 140, 260. In accordance with another aspect of the exemplary embodiment, the barrier 354A is disposed in a similar arrangement to the sealing barrier described before, seated against and fastened to the bottom of the roof support structure (e.g. rafters 312A) and closing the interior attic space from exterior or air outside the building. The barrier 354A is sealed, isolating the inner surface of the roof deck (not shown) and the roof support structure 312A from the interior attic space as previously described, the barrier also defines the roof venting regions 332A also similar to roof venting described before. The interior attic space isolation barrier 354A may comprise an insulating layer 370A and a radiant barrier layer 372A. The radiant barrier layer 37A may be any suitable radiant film(s) or foil(s) that may be applied in sheets or strips. The radiant barrier layer 372A, as seen in FIG. 5A, may form a base layer of the barrier, and may be fastened (with fastening means such as staples or bonded (e.g. chemical adhesives) to the bottom of the roof support structure (e.g. rafters, ties, wall studs, etc.) thus forming the ventilation voids. The radiant barrier sheet(s) of the radiant barrier layer may be placed with its reflective surface 373 facing outward, toward the roof deck. In accordance with another aspect, the radiant barrier(s) of the radiant barrier layer may be placed with its reflective surface 373′ facing inward, towards the interior of the attic space. In accordance with yet another aspect, if desired the radiant barrier layer may include more than one radiant barrier sheet(s), disposed for example one over the other. In such a case, one of the radiant barrier sheet(s) may be positioned with the reflective surface facing outward, and another of the radiant barrier sheet(s) may be positioned with a reflective surface facing inwards, such as may be similarly disposed on foam boards forming the insulating barrier. The insulation layer 370A may be sprayed foam (such as Icynene foam, polyurethane foam, etc.) sprayed onto or against the radiant barrier layer. As may be realized, a suitable matrix, such as a mesh or other desired surface, may be provided on the radiant barrier layer to assist in maintaining the sprayed foam insulation layer on the radiant barrier layer. Insulating panels, such as previously described, may be used in combination with or in adjoining areas to layers 370A, 372A as part of barrier 354A for example to close soffit areas or at the top of the barrier (similar top 260T of barrier 254 in FIG. 3).

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a process flow diagram 400. The process converts vented attic into a sealed attic with a vented roof. Block 402 provides to block and seal soffits. Block 402 provides to cover the rafters or supporting structure of the roof deck with Silverglo™ panels or other suitable barrier. Block 406 provides to air seal all seams, including seams between panels, panels and other structure or materials or otherwise seal the seams to form a sealed attic space with respect to the vented roof space. Block 408 provides for venting the roof through the void formed between panels and the roof deck. Here, in the exemplary method 400, a method is shown for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure. The method comprises providing 402, 404, 406 a barrier isolating the roof supporting structure from an interior space of the attic; isolating and interior surface of the roof from the interior space of the attic; forming a venting region between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region venting air from an outside of the building through the venting region; and preventing migration of air between the interior space of the attic and the venting region with the barrier. The method may further have where the barrier comprises insulated board having a radiant barrier. The method may further comprise where the barrier comprises graphite infused polystyrene foam board having a radiant barrier on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the barrier. The method may further comprise isolating a soffit from the interior space of the attic with the barrier. The method may further comprise where the venting region vents air from a soffit vent through the venting region to a ridge vent. The method may further comprise where the venting region vents air from a gable vent through the venting region to a ridge vent. In alternate embodiments, any suitable structure or methods may be provided.

In accordance with one aspect of the exemplary embodiment, a system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure is provided. The system has a barrier separating a bottom of the roof supporting structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and attic floor. The barrier covers the bottom of the roof support structure and an interior surface of the roof. The barrier isolates the interior attic space from the interior surface of the roof and closes the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building. The barrier forms a venting region between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region communicating with exterior air outside the building venting exterior air outside the building through the venting region along the interior surface of the roof, and wherein the barrier prevents migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region.

In accordance with another aspect of the exemplary embodiment, a system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof deck supported by rafters is provided. The system has insulated boards fastened to and isolating the rafters from an interior attic space defined by the roof deck and attic floor. The insulated boards are cut and sized to cover an interior surface of the roof deck, substantially in its entirety from attic floor to a top of the interior attic space. Seals are applied to the insulated boards, the seals arranged to seal seams formed between adjoining edges of the insulated boards. The insulated boards and seals define a sealed barrier, closing the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building, isolating the roof deck from the interior space of the attic, and forming a venting region between the insulating boards and the interior surface of the roof deck, the venting region venting exterior air from outside the building through the venting region and wherein the sealed barrier prevents migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region.

In accordance with another aspect of the exemplary method, a method of conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure is provided, the method comprising: covering a bottom of the roof supporting structure with a barrier that separates the bottom of the roof supporting structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and attic floor sealing the barrier and with the barrier closing the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building and isolating and interior surface of the roof from the interior attic space; with the barrier forming a venting region between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region venting exterior air from outside the building through the venting region; and preventing migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region with the barrier.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment a system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure, the system comprising a barrier separating a bottom of the roof supporting structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and attic floor. The barrier covers the bottom of the roof support structure and an interior surface of the roof so that the barrier isolates the interior attic space from the interior surface of the roof and closes the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building wherein, the barrier forms a venting region between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region communicating with exterior air outside the building and venting exterior air outside the building through the venting region along the interior surface of the roof, and wherein the barrier prevents migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the venting region comprises a void between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the void having openings communicating with the exterior air outside the building and effecting natural ventilation through the venting region, wherein the void contains the roof supporting structure.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the barrier comprises an insulating layer and a radiant barrier layer.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the insulating layer comprises graphite infused polystyrene foam board having a radiant barrier on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the board that form the radiant barrier layer.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the barrier further isolates a soffit from the interior attic space of the attic.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the venting region vents air from a soffit vent through the venting region to at least one of a ridge vent and a gable vent.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the barrier comprises a radiant barrier layer and an insulation layer, the radiant barrier layer forming a base layer fastening the insulation layer to the roof support structure and being disposed between the insulation layer and the bottom of the roof support structure.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein a system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof deck supported by rafters, the system comprising insulated boards fastened to and isolating the rafters from an interior attic space defined by the roof deck and attic floor. The insulated boards cut and sized to cover an interior surface of the roof deck substantially in its entirety from attic floor to a top of the interior attic space, and seals applied to the insulated boards, the seals arranged to seal seams formed between adjoining edges of the insulated boards; wherein, the insulated boards and seals define a sealed barrier, closing the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building, isolating the roof deck from the interior space of the attic, and forming a venting region between the insulating boards and the interior surface of the roof deck, the venting region venting exterior air from outside the building through the venting region, and wherein the sealed barrier prevents migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the venting region comprises a void between the insulated boards and the interior surface of the roof deck, the void being substantially open to the exterior air outside the building and containing the rafters.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the insulated boards have a radiant barrier.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the insulated boards comprise graphite infused polystyrene foam boards having a radiant barrier on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the insulated boards.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the insulated boards isolate a soffit from the interior space of the attic.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the venting region vents air from a soffit vent through the venting region to a ridge vent.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the venting region vents air from a gable vent through the venting region to a ridge vent.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, a method of conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure, the method comprising covering a bottom of the roof supporting structure with a barrier that separates the bottom of the roof supporting structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and attic floor; sealing the barrier and with the barrier closing the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building and isolating an interior surface of the roof from the interior attic space with the barrier forming a venting region between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region venting exterior air from outside the building through the venting region; and preventing migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region with the barrier.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the barrier comprises an insulating layer and a radiant barrier layer.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment,wherein the barrier comprises graphite infused polystyrene foam board having a radiant barrier on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the barrier.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, further comprising isolating a soffit from the interior space of the attic with the barrier.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the venting region vents air from a soffit vent through the venting region to a ridge vent.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the venting region vents air from a gable vent through the venting region to a ridge vent.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. For example, some or all of the disclosed embodiments above may use voice control. By way of further example, some or all of the embodiments disclosed may operate in an automatic, semi automatic or manual power assisted mode. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances.

Claims

1. A system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure, the system comprising:

a barrier separating a bottom of the roof supporting structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and attic floor; and

the barrier covers the bottom of the roof support structure and an interior surface of the roof so that the barrier isolates the interior attic space from the interior surface of the roof and closes the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building;

wherein, the barrier forms a venting region between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region communicating with exterior air outside the building and venting exterior air outside the building through the venting region along the interior surface of the roof, and wherein the barrier prevents migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the venting region comprises a void between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the void having openings communicating with the exterior air outside the building and effecting natural ventilation through the venting region, wherein the void contains the roof supporting structure.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises an insulating layer and a radiant barrier layer.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the insulating layer comprises graphite infused polystyrene foam board having a radiant barrier on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the board that form the radiant barrier layer.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the barrier further isolates a soffit from the interior attic space of the attic.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the venting region vents air from a soffit vent through the venting region to at least one of a ridge vent and a gable vent.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises a radiant barrier layer and an insulation layer, the radiant barrier layer forming a base layer fastening the insulation layer to the roof support structure and being disposed between the insulation layer and the bottom of the roof support structure.

8. A system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof deck supported by rafters, the system comprising:

insulated boards fastened to and isolating the rafters from an interior attic space defined by the roof deck and attic floor;

the insulated boards cut and sized to cover an interior surface of the roof deck substantially in its entirety from attic floor to a top of the interior attic space, and

seals applied to the insulated boards, the seals arranged to seal seams formed between adjoining edges of the insulated boards;

wherein, the insulated boards and seals define a sealed barrier, closing the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building, isolating the roof deck from the interior space of the attic, and forming a venting region between the insulating boards and the interior surface of the roof deck, the venting region venting exterior air from outside the building through the venting region, and wherein the sealed barrier prevents migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the venting region comprises a void between the insulated boards and the interior surface of the roof deck, the void being substantially open to the exterior air outside the building and containing the rafters.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the insulated boards have a radiant barrier.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the insulated boards comprise graphite infused polystyrene foam boards having a radiant barrier on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the insulated boards.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the insulated boards isolate a soffit from the interior space of the attic.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the venting region vents air from a soffit vent through the venting region to a ridge vent.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the venting region vents air from a gable vent through the venting region to a ridge vent.

15. A method of conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure, the method comprising:

covering a bottom of the roof supporting structure with a barrier that separates the bottom of the roof supporting structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and attic floor;

sealing the barrier and with the barrier closing the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building and isolating an interior surface of the roof from the interior attic space;

with the barrier forming a venting region between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region venting exterior air from outside the building through the venting region; and

preventing migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region with the barrier.

16. The method of claim 16, wherein the barrier comprises an insulating layer and a radiant barrier layer.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the barrier comprises graphite infused polystyrene foam board having a radiant barrier on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the barrier.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising isolating a soffit from the interior space of the attic with the barrier.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the venting region vents air from a soffit vent through the venting region to a ridge vent.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the venting region vents air from a gable vent through the venting region to a ridge vent.

21. The system of claim 7, wherein a radiant barrier of the radiant barrier layer has a reflective surface facing outward.

22. The system of claim 7, wherein a radiant barrier of the radiant barrier layer has a reflective surface facing inward.

23. The system of claim 3, wherein the radiant barrier layer has a radiant barrier with a reflective surface facing outward, and another radiant barrier with a reflective surface facing inwards.