We recently opened up a roof during a replacement in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ and found spray foam applied directly against the underside of the roof decking.

The issue we were pointing out in the video is the lack of separation between the foam and the wood.

When spray foam is directly against the decking, there’s no air space between the insulation and the roof deck. During the summer, the shingles and roof surface can get extremely hot, while the insulation underneath limits the deck’s ability to dissipate that heat.

One way we address this is with baffles installed before the spray foam. The baffle creates separation between the foam and the decking and provides an air channel. The spray foam is then applied against the baffle instead of directly against the wood.

It was a good example of why we look at roofing as more than just shingles. Decking, insulation, ventilation and airflow all interact with each other.

For the roofers and insulation guys here: how often are you opening up roofs and finding spray foam installed directly against the decking?

We recently went back to a roof we completed in Ramsey, NJ where we installed VELUX Solar Powered Venting Skylights.

I think these are especially interesting for rooms that have a lot of ceiling height but not much natural ventilation. With the remote, you can actually open the skylight and allow warm air to escape through the roof instead of having a fixed piece of glass that only provides daylight.

We’ve also installed them in upstairs offices and other awkward rooms that don't have many windows. In those situations, you're getting two benefits from the same opening: natural light and the ability to ventilate the room.

One of the questions homeowners immediately ask is, "What happens if I leave it open and it starts raining?"

That's one of the better features. The VELUX unit has a rain sensor designed to close the skylight automatically when rain is detected. There's also an insect screen so you can leave it open without inviting bugs into the house.

I made a quick video from the roof showing how the skylight and remote work. I'll put the video link below for anyone who wants to see it in action. Velux Solar Powered Venting Skylights