Intake and exhaust as a pair
Cool air should enter at the eaves and exit at the ridge. Cap the soffits or bury them in insulation and the ridge vent pulls little air.
Older NH homes often have short eaves, blocked perforated vinyl, or batts stuffed into the soffit channel.
What we check on site
- Open soffit vents vs solid panels
- Baffles at the eave so insulation does not choke intake
- Ridge vent continuous and not painted shut
- Gable fans fighting the natural stack — sometimes they hurt more than help
Part of a roof scope
On replacement we specify ridge vent and soffit corrections in writing when needed — not as a surprise add-on after tear-off.
Ice & water membrane still belongs at eaves even with good ventilation; they solve different problems.