Conditioned Attics vs. Vented Attics: Matt Risinger and Hunter Panels

What's the difference between a conditioned and a vented attic, and how does Matt Risinger build conditioned assemblies for his projects?

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Having an attic contained within the conditioned envelope of a building requires some savvy construction practices in order to maintain the integrity of the structure and reduce the chance of extreme condensation. Today on The Metal Roofing Channel, Matt Risinger of The Build Show joins Thad to discuss the differences between a conditioned attic and a vented attic, why Matt has built conditioned attics for many years, and a variety of assembly options to choose from. They also look at Matt's current project in Austin, Texas, and explore how he used a product called Hunter Panels to achieve proper eave to ridge ventilation even with a conditioned attic.

Topics covered:
►Intro 00:00
►Conditioned vs. vented attics 0:46
►Matt's project and Hunter Panels 2:45
►Polyiso insulation installation 5:47

Check out Matt Risinger's YouTube channel to watch content on all kinds of building techniques!

Please note the installation details and methods shown in this video are for reference only. Sheffield Metals recommends following their published installation details or for WTW projects following the required details issued and marked approved for that specific project.

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[mitchketron]

I'm seriously so grateful for all of the knowledge that both of you continue to share. Also, your appreciation for best practices is infectious! Thank you both!

[alexanderspriggs]

Conversations like these make me realize how little I know.

One could really nerd out and learn a lot about roofing and home building from you guys. Great stuff, gentlemen.

[flowerpt]

How is the second layer of ZIP attached through the foam on Matt's house?

[jwristen]

Please post the assembly details somewhere

[savannahrei]

I would be interested to know how much the roof cost on Matt’s house because all this layers should pretty expensive.

[tpm]

What about the OSB underneath the cool-vent panel? It's got polyiso directly on top, and closed cell spray foam underneath. Doesn't that make it sandwiched between two vapor barriers? How will it dry?

[TheZambie]

I hate the closing on Matt's channel but for some reason I loved his silent "on the build show" here 🤣

[Maynardd]

What is the point of having the gap between the plywood and the iso? Why create that air gap that needs to be vented? Why not just solid nail base with no gap? No gap, no air?

[squeekhobby]

Follow both of you. Great to see you in the same frame.

[funk]

Yes nailed it! Vented roof but sealed from the inside. Thats perfect.

[TheBooze]

If you condition your attic does an asphalt shingle roof still need to be vented or is that just for metal roofs?

[zefrum]

Sharkskin on top of Foxx? its just at the ridge right, for breathability?

[rolfewilliams]

So how is the air sealing of the roof deck done with the Hunter panels? Just the spray foam inside? Also, won't the polyiso of the Hunter panels shrink some over time and pull away from each other?

[joem]

what if my house has metal roof right on shingles thinking about sprayfoaming with closed cell

[DanielinLaTuna]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm intending to convert my attic space from vented to conditioned, but so much of the information poo-poos non-vented attics. I'm gonna cook the shingles; I'm gonna grow mold and rot the two-by's! And so on.The only reason I'd do this is because I have ducting in the attic. (Well, I DO have ducting in the attic, and the furnace and A/C cooling coils! )
Anyway, I'm in Southern California and we have yearly wind events, the Santa Ana winds, and usually the associated wildfires, and not enough feral cats to control the rats. So more often than not nasty rodents find a way in through the vents (they're smart enough to chew through the screening!).
So once again, thanks for encouraging me to go the conditioned attic route.

[adamingram]

What is the best way to condition an attic with new metal roof already in place. There is no insulation under metal. No ac unit in attic. I was looking at Owens Corning membrane against truss and blown in in membrane. Should there be ventilation soffit to ridge vent. I’m in center nc

[wells_brand]

You guys are such a huge help. I can't wait for my Sheffield roof here in Boise, Idaho!

[bobbray]

Depends on the climate where you live. A conditioned attic makes more sense in warmer climates where the HVAC systems are located. Here in zone 6, HVAC is located in basements for the most part. Many homes in the south don't have basements since frost lines are shallow and not worth the cost for the 9'+ excavation. I'm building a home in MN and will have a vented attic. Top of ceiling drywall will be spray foamed with closed cell to 2" with blown-in on top to R-50. Having roof trusses would limit the space for a usable attic, so no sense to condition the attic space by spray foaming the underside of the roof deck.

Our current home uses stick joists with vaulted ceilings, so no attic and the insulation between the roof joists is closed cell foam.

[SanityAtitsBest]

Great content. The close was funny seeing Matt try to close on someone else video. Y'all should have coordinated the close! LOL glad y'all put it in still. Love it

[tumbleweed]

So much is location on planet earth and budget. Thank you for the video, January 2024 🎈