Don writes from Latonia, Kentucky: "I think I have seen this question asked many different ways, but I am hoping that I am asking something different. I have recently installed an access ladder to my attic above our 2-story home. The attic currently has about 10-12 inches of blown insulation. I am starting to put down some decking material for storage; however, the insulation is very thick and the ceiling joists are 2x4s. I am having to displace a lot of the insulation material and am concerned about the decreased efficiency. I do not have a ridge vent, but do have attic vents across one side to maintain the circulation. My question is whether I can add insulation baffles and insulation batts up to each of the vents and then skip over the vent and continue on to the peak and down the other side. I could do this between the rafters where the vents are located and then do the same on the others without skipping over the vents spots. Will this help me gain some R value back to my home? If so, then how would the rafters without the vents get air circulation from the soffits?"

Answer: The idea is to allow the ventilation to have a steady path throughout the attic. I recommend one baffle for each rafter that has a vent. As for the insulation, in a ventilated and non-conditioned attic it needs to be on the floor, between and over the joists. The idea is to wrap your home’s conditioned space with insulation. It won't do any good to have insulation overhead in the attic if the space is ventilated and not heated or air conditioned.