Attic Ventilation Verification Checklist PDF

Full QC Checklist+

Verify attic/ratio inputs, pre-installation planning, installation, and post-installation verification for soffit and ridge/gable exhaust venting.

✓22 Inspection Points

✓4 Verification Categories

✓Attic & Ratio Inputs+

Attic floor area confirmed as the actual attic space — not the home's conditioned/living square footage
Climate zone confirmed against your actual location — determines whether a vapor retarder is even one of the 1:300 exception's conditions
In Climate Zones 6-8: vapor retarder presence confirmed by actual attic inspection, not guessed
Vent placement condition confirmed against the actual (or planned) layout — 40-50% of NFA within 3 ft of the ridge, balance in the bottom third of the attic
Soffit vent NFA rating entered matches the actual chosen product's stamped rating, not the calculator's 9 sq in/ft default
Exhaust vent type selection (ridge vs. gable/box/turbine) matches what's actually being installed
Ridge/gable/box vent NFA rating entered matches the actual chosen product's stamped rating

✓Before Installation+

Confirmed intake NFA is at or above exhaust NFA — never let exhaust exceed intake
Confirmed the attic is a standard vented assembly, not an unvented spray-foam-encapsulated ("hot roof") assembly
Baffles (rafter vents) planned for every soffit bay before insulation is installed or re-blown
Confirmed no conflicting exhaust types are planned together (e.g. ridge vent plus gable vents plus a powered attic fan)
Local code amendments checked against the IRC R806.2 baseline this calculator uses

✓Installation+

Installed soffit vent linear footage matches or exceeds the calculated requirement, split appropriately across all eaves
Installed ridge vent length (or gable/box vent count) matches the calculated requirement
Baffles actually installed at every soffit bay before insulation contacts the vent opening
Vent openings kept clear of paint overspray, construction debris, and overly fine insect screening
If retrofitting into an existing attic: existing insulation checked and pulled back from soffit vents before new vents/baffles go in

✓After Installation+

Visual inspection from inside the attic confirms visible daylight/airflow at both soffit and exhaust vent locations
Attic temperature/humidity spot-checked on a hot day or after a rain event to confirm expected performance
Vent screens confirmed intact with no signs of pest entry (birds, rodents, insects) through vent openings
Installed vent products' NFA ratings and quantities documented for future reference
Photos of completed venting (soffit, ridge/gable, baffles) kept for records and warranty purposes

Inspection Notes+

Use the latest approved drawings, specifications, and site measurements.

Complete all critical checks before proceeding to the next work stage.

Record deviations and confirm rectification where required.

Inspection Notes

Use the latest approved drawings, specifications, and site measurements.

Complete all critical checks before proceeding to the next work stage.

Record deviations and confirm rectification where required.

Use it after collecting the project inputs and again before approving or closing the relevant work stage.

No. It supports verification but does not replace approved drawings, specifications, codes, manufacturer requirements, or professional inspection.