Patent Publication Number: US-2013247489-A1

Title: Attic conditioning system and method

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The disclosed embodiments relate to an attic conditioning apparatus and method and, more particularly, to an attic conditioning and roof venting apparatus and method. 
     2. Brief Description of Earlier Developments 
     Home or commercial construction often has one or more attics above living or other suitable spaces. Typical construction may involve an attic with an insulated floor and an arrangement for venting the roof, for example, using a combination of soffit and ridge vents, gable vents or otherwise. Such an attic may be useful, for example, for storage or to house heating and ventilation equipment such as duct work, air conditioning units or otherwise. In the warm summer, a problem arises where the attic space becomes excessively heated by the sun causing heat to radiate into the living space below the attic and causing air conditioning systems to work excessively. In the cool winter, a problem arises where heat is lost through the attic from the living space resulting in heating systems running excessively and ice damming from a warm roof. Accordingly, there is a desire to reduce heating and cooling losses. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and other features of the exemplary embodiments are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a isometric section view of a building structure; 
         FIG. 2  is a section view of an attic; 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of an attic; 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of an attic; 
         FIG. 5  is a section view of a panel; 
         FIG. 5A  is a partial view of the attic showing a barrier and roof support structure in accordance with another aspect of the exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 6  is a process flow diagram. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown, an isometric section view of a building structure  10  incorporating features in accordance with an exemplary embodiment and method. Although the present embodiments will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present embodiments can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. 
     Structure  10  is shown having basement  20 , first floor  24 , second floor  26  and attic  28 . Structure  10 , is illustrated having a representative configuration, and as may be realized may have any suitable configuration in alternate embodiments. Basement  20  is shown for example, housing HVAC (Heating Venting and Air Conditioning unit) where HVAC unit  22  may distribute conditioned air through air ducts through the heated or air conditioned spaces of structure  10 , for example through duct work  36  within the enclosed space of attic  28 . HVAC unit  22  may, for example, condition floors  24  and  26  either alone or in combination. In alternate embodiments, HVAC unit  22  may be any suitable heating and/or cooling unit located within or remote with to any portion of structure  10 . Attic  28  is located above the insulation  34  of ceiling  32  of second floor  26  of structure  10 . The building structure  10 B has roof supporting structure or rafters  38  covered by roof deck  40 ,  42 . The roof deck  40 ,  42  and supporting structure  38  shall be referred to herein for convenience as the roof  40 R. Rafters  38  may be wood framed, structural steel, trusses or any suitable structure suitable for supporting roof deck  40 ,  42 . Roof deck  40 ,  42  may be have a plywood deck covered with shingles, metal roof or otherwise. In alternate embodiments, any suitable roof deck and material may be used. As seen in  FIG. 1 , the roof  40 R, more specifically the inner surface or bottom  38 R of the roof support structure  38  and the ceiling or top of ceiling  32 , which maybe considered the floor of attic  28 , form what may be referred to as an inner or interior attic space  60  of attic  28 . Attic  28  may be provided with soffits  84  at a lower portion of rafters  38  that allow air to vent  80  (such as for example effected by natural circulation through a void  86  between rafters  38  and exit  82  through ridge vents  88  at an upper portion of rafters  38 . In the embodiment shown, system  90  is provided for conditioning an interior portion  60  of attic  28  of building or structure  10  and venting roof  40 ,  42  supported by roof supporting structure  38 , for example, rafters or other suitable structure. Here, system  90  may condition interior attic portion  60 , for example, by transforming the attic from a vented attic to an unvented interior portion  60  making interior portion  60  conditioned, at least partially as part of the interior of structure  10  as opposed to the exterior of structure  10 . Although system  90  will be described with respect to attic  28 , the features of system  90  may be used in combination with any suitable attic space or space enclosed by one or a plurality of roof surface(s). 
     The system  90  is shown having barrier  50 ,  52  separating the bottom  38 B of the roof and its support structure, isolating the roof supporting structure  38  from an interior attic space  60  of attic  28 . For example, the barrier may be insulated boards  50 ,  52  fastened to and isolating rafters  38  from interior space  60  of attic  28 . The barrier  50 ,  52  may be sized to substantially cover an interior surface  92 ,  94  of the roof  40 ,  42 , with the barrier isolating the interior surface  92 ,  94  of the roof  40 ,  42  from interior space  60  of attic  28 . The barrier  50 ,  52  closes the interior attic space  60  from exterior air outside the building, as will be described further below. In addition, a similar barrier  54  may be provided on studs of an exterior wall of the attic. Here, barrier  54  may be applied to gable end walls or other structures or otherwise as a foam board barrier or other suitable barrier. Here, barrier  50 ,  52  may be insulated boards cut and sized to substantially cover an interior surface of the roof deck  40 ,  42  with the insulating boards isolating the roof  50 ,  52  deck from the interior space  60  of the attic  28 . Here, insulated boards  40 ,  42  may initially be sized as 4 ft. by 8 ft. sheets and cut to size as needed to form the barrier. Alternately, any suitable sizes may be provided. Seals  64  may further be applied to the insulated boards  50 ,  52  with seals  64  arranged to seal seams  62  formed between adjoining edges of the insulated boards  50 ,  52 . Seals  64  may further be applied, for example, between insulated boards and roof and ceiling rafters as required to seal enclosed attic space  60 . Such as from exterior air outside the building. Here venting region  86  is formed between the insulating boards or barrier  50 ,  52  and the interior surface of roof  40 ,  42 , the venting region  86  venting air  80  from an outside of the building  10  through the venting region  86 . In the embodiment shown, the barrier or insulating boards  50 ,  52  are shown covering the interior surface  92 ,  94  of the roof deck  40 ,  42 , substantially in the entirety of the surface from attic floor (e.g. ceiling  32 ) to top  60 T of enclosed attic space  60 . The barrier  54  thus prevents migration of air between the interior space of the attic and the venting region  86 . Venting region  86  may comprise a void between the barrier  54  (e.g. boards  50 ,  52 ) and the interior surface of the roof  40 ,  42 , the void  86  having openings communicating with the exterior air outside the building. As may be realized also from  FIGS. 2-3 , the void(s) of venting regions  86  may be substantially open so that the exterior air from outside of the building may ventilate the interior surface of the roof deck effected for example via natural circulation or flow of the exterior air through the venting region (forced flow may be used if desired). As may also be seen in  FIGS. 2-3  the void of the venting regions contain the roof supporting structure or rafters  38 . As will be shown in greater detail below, barrier or insulating boards  50 ,  52 ,  54  may comprise insulated board having a radiant barrier. Here, the barrier  50 ,  52  may comprises graphite infused polystyrene foam insulated boards having a radiant barrier on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the barrier or insulated boards  50 ,  52 . As will be shown in greater detail below, barrier or insulated boards  50 ,  52  may further isolate a soffit  84  at the lower portion of rafters  38  from the interior  60  space of the attic  28 . Here, the venting region  86  may vent air  80  from a soffit vent through the venting region  86  to a ridge vent  88  and exit  82 . As seen in  FIG. 3 , in accordance with another aspect, the venting region may vent air from a gable vent or otherwise, through the venting region to a ridge vent or other gable vent, suitable roof vent or otherwise from the soffit vent to gable vent. In the embodiment shown, the system may transform a vented attic to a conditioned and unvented attic  60  (substantially closed from exterior air outside the building) but with a vented roof  86 ,  40 ,  42 . The system may be readily installed into existing structures and performs an attic conversion of interior space  60  from vented to unvented where a combined thermal and air boundary are provided at barrier  54  where the barrier is sealed and may be polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene or other suitable foam boards or any type of suitable boards or barrier and where boards  50 ,  52  may have radiant barrier on one or both sides. As will be also described, the barrier  54  may be a sprayed foam layer (e.g. Icynene foam, or polyurethane foam) applied over a base layer, such as radiant barrier layer fastened to the bottom of the roof support structure (e.g. roof rafters). The air space  86  may be formed between the top of board or radiant barrier  50  and the bottom  92  of roof deck  40  where, for example, the bottom of roof deck  40  may be 140° f or otherwise and where air between board/panels  50  and deck  40  forms a thermal barrier air space  86  with panels  50  not in contact with the lower inner surface  92  of roof deck  40 . Further, panels  50  may be provided with a reflective barrier facing out and toward roof deck  40  but may be also a radiant barrier facing in toward interior region  60  where a radiant barrier may be provided on both sides of board  50  to reflect heat as desired. Here, the system results in providing an unvented attic interior space  60  with a vented roof  40 ,  42  resulting in a cooler attic and roof deck in the summer and a warmer attic and cooler roof deck in the winter maintaining cool air under the roof in the winter. Here, the interior region  60  may be an interior substantially air tight attic region with access for storage or other suitable use being substantially air tight to ambient air where the system substantially eliminates issues of insulation effectiveness while allowing attic access to an attic with an existing insulated floor  34  or otherwise. As the effective cross section for venting flow  80  may be reduced as compared to an attic without panels  50 , an increased effective flow against the interior of roof  40  in the volume  86  between the barrier  50  and the roof  40  as the similar vent and volumetric flow through a smaller volume/cross section results in greater turn around within the volume and results in cooler more effective removal of heat from the roof. In alternate embodiments, any suitable combination of panels or barrier may be provided isolating a venting region and forming an interior region of attic  28  may be provided. 
     System  90  converts the interior portion  60  of attic  28  into a clean and comfortable place making building  10  more comfortable. Here, system  90  reduces heating and cooling bills, and extends the life of the roof  40 ,  42  and makes attic  28  useful for storage. System  90  may for example make a home  10  warmer in winter and cooler in summer and reduces drafts. System  90  converts the attic  28  from a hot in the summer, cold in the winter vented attic to a comfortable unvented attic  90  while keeping a vented  86  roof. In a traditional vented attic, the attic floor is insulated with the ducts sealed but with air leaking into the attic interior space. Here, without system  90 , the air and insulation boundary is at the attic floor. With system  90 , the attic becomes part of the conditioned home as the air and insulation boundaries are on the bottom of the roof instead of the attic floor. Panels  50 ,  52 ,  54  may for example use Silverglo™ expanded polystyrene foam insulation board infused with graphite and having a radiant barrier on both sides to create an energy force field under the roof and above the attic interior space. In addition to the features above, system  90  reduces outside noise from traffic, weather or otherwise, provides a cleaner and brighter attic for storage. With the system  90 , improved comfort results whereas without the system  90 , temperature in the attic works against HVAC equipment  22  and ducts  36 , for example, when the blower comes on in the hot summer or cold winter, air blows into the house and the equipment has to work longer and harder to overcome the temperatures. With the system  90 , an overall improvement in the comfort of the home results particularly upstairs. System  90  facilitates the saving of energy, eliminating hostile attic temperatures in the winter and summer putting a cut into the amount of energy required to make a home comfortable. For example, the  4  way force field from the attic system may reduce heating and cooling costs by 30 percent or more. The system results in longer roof life and fewer repairs. For example, heat and moisture destroy equipment and building materials but system  90  extends the life of the roof by locating insulation along the bottom of the roof rafters instead of against the attic floor, the cooling effect of soffit, ridge and/or gable vents is maintained and an attic barrier combined with proper roof ventilation defends against damaging ice dams. Here, maintaining ventilation within region  86  extends the life of shingles and roofing material. Here, system  90  may generally provide a 4 way force field: (e.g. air sealing reduces stack effect of conditioned air rising through structure  10  and prevents air migration between interior attic space and outdoors; sealed insulation barrier  54  isolates the attic from the thermal effects from outdoors; radiant layer of barrier reflects the heat back; ducts  36  are no longer in hostile territory). With the use of system  90 , attic floor air seals may be avoided; sealed can lights with air tight boxes may be avoided; attic hatch/door/scuttle seals may be avoided; any or additional attic floor insulation may be avoided; additional separate radiant barriers may be avoided or other suitable structure may be avoided. 
     Without system  90  in winter, the heating system runs more as compared with system  90  installed. For example, with outside temperature at about 25° F. or less, the lower floor  24  may be 65° F. and drafty. As volumes of air leak out of the top of structure  10 , equal amounts of new air must be drawn in at the bottom of structure  10 . The second floor  26  may be 68° F. and drafty. In attic  28 , ducts  36  are in a very cold attic and heat from the ducts are lost; fiberglass insulation  34  is wind washed from cold ventilation air diminishing its ability to insulate dramatically. Ice damming occurs from a warming roof. In contrast, with system  90  installed in building  10 , the lower floor  24  may be at about 70° F. and far less drafty as far less air is leaking out of the attic  28  and far less air leaks in the bottom of structure  10  to replace it. Second floor  26  may be about 72° F. and comfortable with no drafts. In the enclosed attic space  60  of attic  28 , ducts  36  are in a warm attic where heat from the ducts are not lost; radiant heat is reflected and insulation resists heat flow with no gaps. Stored items in the interior region  60  of attic  28  are clean and do not freeze. The roof is cold with no ice damming from attic heat. The roof vents the roof and not the attic resulting in lower fuel bills. 
     Without system  90  in summer, the air conditioning system runs more and still can&#39;t keep up with the top floor  26  heat. For example, in the basement  20 , there is more humidity and condensation. Outside temperature may be 85° F. where the sun heats the roofing to 150° F. and lower floor  24  may be humid and about 79° F. Here, warm humid air leaks in and relative humidity is increased as air is cooled making the space uncomfortable. The upper floor  26  may be about 85° F. and hot and very uncomfortable for sleeping. The drywall ceiling  32  heats up and heat from the attic  28  radiates into the rooms  26 . The attic  28 , may be about 130° F. and air conditioning ducts  36  in the attic are baking where air from the ducts leaks in and is lost. Heat form the roof  40 ,  42  radiates into the attic. In contrast, with system  90  in summer, there is less humidity and condensation in the basement  20 . Lower floor  24  may be about 72° F. with less drafts and more comfortable as less air leaks out of the top. Less humid air leaks in with cooler less humid air making the space more comfortable. Upper floor  26  may be about 74° F. degrees and where cooler rooms are much more comfortable for sleeping. The drywall ceiling  32  is much cooler. The inter region  60  of attic  28  may be about 77° F. with the ducts  36  in a much cooler environment where cool air from duct leaks is not lost. Cooler air vents the excess heat out where only the space between the roof and the rafters is vented as opposed to the entire attic. Stored items in the interior region  60  of attic  28  do not get baked dusty and ruined and the attic can be used for storage. Sun heats roofing to 150 degrees but lower electric bills result. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a section view of an attic  100 . Attic  100  is generally similar to attic shown in  FIG. 1 , and is supported for example by insulated  102  wall  106  and enclosed by insulated  108  ceiling  104  that forms the floor of the attic. Rafters  114  support roof deck  112  and roofing  110 . Soffit vent  124  is shown at the base of rafters  114  while ridge  115  vent  128  is shown at the top of rafters  114 . The barrier  115 , is similar to barrier  54  in  FIG. 1 , comprises panels  116  that are mated and sealed at seams  118  with a seal made by tape, foam, or other suitable sealant. As seen in  FIG. 2 , the barrier panels are seated against and may be fastened to the bottom of the rafters  114 . Soffits  124  may be blocked and sealed between ceiling rafters  104  with barrier panels  120  and  122 . Thus, as may be realized, the sealed barrier venting region is formed between barrier panels  116 ,  120  and  122  and roof deck  112  isolating the venting region from a conditioned interior attic space  140  of attic  100  with ambient air venting intake  126  at soffit  124  and exhaust  130  at ridge vent  128 . In alternate embodiments, any suitable combination of vent(s) may be provided. In alternate embodiments, any suitable wall or other surface(s) may be covered with suitable panels to enclose interior space  140 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a section view of an attic  200  in accordance with another aspect of the exemplary embodiment. Except as noted, attic  200  is similar to attic  28  shown in  FIG. 1  and supported by uninsulated knee wall  220  and insulated  216  wall  212  and enclosed by insulated  218  ceiling  214  that forms the floor of the attic. Rafters  228  support roof deck  226  and roofing  224 . Soffit vent  240  is shown at the base of rafters  228  while gable vent  246  is shown just below the top of rafters  228 . In this aspect of the exemplary embodiment, the barrier  254  (similar to barrier  54  in  FIG. 1 ) may comprise panels  234 ,  230 ,  236  that are mated and sealed at seams  232  where a seal made by tape, foam, or other suitable sealant. Similar to panels  116  shown in  FIG. 2 , the panels  230 ,  234 ,  236  of barrier  254  may be seated against and fastened to the bottom of the support structure such as rafters  228 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, panels  234  may be seated against and fastened to the bottom of collar ties that form the top of the enclosed interior attic space  260 . Here, a roof with no ridge vent may be accommodated by using gable vents  246  while adding soffit vents optionally. Alternately, a ridge vent may be added, for example, to enhance venting by creating a vented plenum at the top. Soffits  240  may be blocked (with respect to interior attic space  260 ) and sealed between ceiling rafters  214  and rafters  228  with panel(s)  220 . A venting region is formed between panels  234 ,  230  and  236  and roof deck  226  isolating the venting region from a conditioned interior attic space  260  of attic  200  with ambient air venting intake  242  at soffit  240  and exhaust  248  at gable vent  246 . In alternate embodiments, any suitable combination of vent(s) may be provided. In alternate embodiments, any suitable wall or other surface(s) may be covered with suitable panels to enclose interior space  260 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a section view of an attic  300 . Attic  300  is generally similar to attic  28 ,  100  described before and supported by insulated  318  wall  310  and enclosed by insulated  314  ceiling  312  (e.g. attic floor) where wall  310  and ceiling  312  may be enclosed with sheetrock or other suitable wall board  320 ,  316 . Rafters  324  support roof deck and roofing  326 . Soffit vent  330  is shown at the base of rafters  324  while a ridge vent or other suitable vent may be provided to vent air through vent region  332 . Panels  334  of barrier  354  (generally similar to barriers  254 ,  54  described previously) are mated and sealed at seams where a seal made by tape, foam, or other suitable sealant. Soffits  330  may be blocked and sealed between ceiling rafters  312  with panels  336 ,  338  as shown closing the interior attic space from outside air. Here panels  336 ,  338  or other suitable panels may be sealed against other panels, framing or other structural materials, sheetrock  316  or otherwise to make the interior space of attic  300  sealed with respect to venting region  332  and outside air. Ceiling vents  328  may further be provided. A venting region  332  is formed between panels  334  and  326  and roof deck  326  isolating the venting region from a conditioned interior space of attic  300  with ambient air venting intake at soffit  330  and exhaust an exhaust vent. In alternate embodiments, any suitable combination of vent(s) may be provided. In alternate embodiments, any suitable wall or other surface(s) may be covered with suitable panels to enclose the interior space of attic  300 . In the embodiment shown, attic  300  may further be finished, for example with sheet rock or any suitable panels  342 . Here, furring strips  340  may be applied on the interior surface of insulating panels  334 , for example, with screws through panel  334  into rafter  324  or otherwise. Furring strips  340  create a space, for example, ½ inch or otherwise, between the drywall  342  and foam board  334 . Here, a radiant barrier on the interior surface of foam board  334  may reflect winter heat inward. In alternate embodiments, the entire attic or selective portions of the attic may selectively be finished. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a section view of a panel  360  of barrier  54 ,  115 ,  254 ,  354 . Panels  360  may use Silverglo™ expanded polystyrene foam insulation board  362  infused with graphite and having a radiant barrier  364 ,  366  on both sides to create an energy force field under the roof and above the attic interior space. In alternate embodiments, any suitable barrier, panel or insulating material may be provided with one or more radiant barrier or without a radiant barrier. Referring also to  FIG. 5A , there is shown a partial section view of an attic  300 A, having an interior attic space  360 A formed by a barrier system  90 A and barrier  354 A, as generally described previously for interior attic space  60 ,  140 ,  260 . In accordance with another aspect of the exemplary embodiment, the barrier  354 A is disposed in a similar arrangement to the sealing barrier described before, seated against and fastened to the bottom of the roof support structure (e.g. rafters  312 A) and closing the interior attic space from exterior or air outside the building. The barrier  354 A is sealed, isolating the inner surface of the roof deck (not shown) and the roof support structure  312 A from the interior attic space as previously described, the barrier also defines the roof venting regions  332 A also similar to roof venting described before. The interior attic space isolation barrier  354 A may comprise an insulating layer  370 A and a radiant barrier layer  372 A. The radiant barrier layer  37 A may be any suitable radiant film(s) or foil(s) that may be applied in sheets or strips. The radiant barrier layer  372 A, as seen in  FIG. 5A , may form a base layer of the barrier, and may be fastened (with fastening means such as staples or bonded (e.g. chemical adhesives) to the bottom of the roof support structure (e.g. rafters, ties, wall studs, etc.) thus forming the ventilation voids. The radiant barrier sheet(s) of the radiant barrier layer may be placed with its reflective surface  373  facing outward, toward the roof deck. In accordance with another aspect, the radiant barrier(s) of the radiant barrier layer may be placed with its reflective surface  373 ′ facing inward, towards the interior of the attic space. In accordance with yet another aspect, if desired the radiant barrier layer may include more than one radiant barrier sheet(s), disposed for example one over the other. In such a case, one of the radiant barrier sheet(s) may be positioned with the reflective surface facing outward, and another of the radiant barrier sheet(s) may be positioned with a reflective surface facing inwards, such as may be similarly disposed on foam boards forming the insulating barrier. The insulation layer  370 A may be sprayed foam (such as Icynene foam, polyurethane foam, etc.) sprayed onto or against the radiant barrier layer. As may be realized, a suitable matrix, such as a mesh or other desired surface, may be provided on the radiant barrier layer to assist in maintaining the sprayed foam insulation layer on the radiant barrier layer. Insulating panels, such as previously described, may be used in combination with or in adjoining areas to layers  370 A,  372 A as part of barrier  354 A for example to close soffit areas or at the top of the barrier (similar top  260 T of barrier  254  in  FIG. 3 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a process flow diagram  400 . The process converts vented attic into a sealed attic with a vented roof. Block  402  provides to block and seal soffits. Block  402  provides to cover the rafters or supporting structure of the roof deck with Silverglo™ panels or other suitable barrier. Block  406  provides to air seal all seams, including seams between panels, panels and other structure or materials or otherwise seal the seams to form a sealed attic space with respect to the vented roof space. Block  408  provides for venting the roof through the void formed between panels and the roof deck. Here, in the exemplary method  400 , a method is shown for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure. The method comprises providing  402 ,  404 ,  406  a barrier isolating the roof supporting structure from an interior space of the attic; isolating and interior surface of the roof from the interior space of the attic; forming a venting region between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region venting air from an outside of the building through the venting region; and preventing migration of air between the interior space of the attic and the venting region with the barrier. The method may further have where the barrier comprises insulated board having a radiant barrier. The method may further comprise where the barrier comprises graphite infused polystyrene foam board having a radiant barrier on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the barrier. The method may further comprise isolating a soffit from the interior space of the attic with the barrier. The method may further comprise where the venting region vents air from a soffit vent through the venting region to a ridge vent. The method may further comprise where the venting region vents air from a gable vent through the venting region to a ridge vent. In alternate embodiments, any suitable structure or methods may be provided. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the exemplary embodiment, a system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure is provided. The system has a barrier separating a bottom of the roof supporting structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and attic floor. The barrier covers the bottom of the roof support structure and an interior surface of the roof. The barrier isolates the interior attic space from the interior surface of the roof and closes the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building. The barrier forms a venting region between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region communicating with exterior air outside the building venting exterior air outside the building through the venting region along the interior surface of the roof, and wherein the barrier prevents migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the exemplary embodiment, a system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof deck supported by rafters is provided. The system has insulated boards fastened to and isolating the rafters from an interior attic space defined by the roof deck and attic floor. The insulated boards are cut and sized to cover an interior surface of the roof deck, substantially in its entirety from attic floor to a top of the interior attic space. Seals are applied to the insulated boards, the seals arranged to seal seams formed between adjoining edges of the insulated boards. The insulated boards and seals define a sealed barrier, closing the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building, isolating the roof deck from the interior space of the attic, and forming a venting region between the insulating boards and the interior surface of the roof deck, the venting region venting exterior air from outside the building through the venting region and wherein the sealed barrier prevents migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the exemplary method, a method of conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure is provided, the method comprising: covering a bottom of the roof supporting structure with a barrier that separates the bottom of the roof supporting structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and attic floor sealing the barrier and with the barrier closing the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building and isolating and interior surface of the roof from the interior attic space; with the barrier forming a venting region between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region venting exterior air from outside the building through the venting region; and preventing migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region with the barrier. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment a system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure, the system comprising a barrier separating a bottom of the roof supporting structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and attic floor. The barrier covers the bottom of the roof support structure and an interior surface of the roof so that the barrier isolates the interior attic space from the interior surface of the roof and closes the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building wherein, the barrier forms a venting region between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region communicating with exterior air outside the building and venting exterior air outside the building through the venting region along the interior surface of the roof, and wherein the barrier prevents migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the venting region comprises a void between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the void having openings communicating with the exterior air outside the building and effecting natural ventilation through the venting region, wherein the void contains the roof supporting structure. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the barrier comprises an insulating layer and a radiant barrier layer. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the insulating layer comprises graphite infused polystyrene foam board having a radiant barrier on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the board that form the radiant barrier layer. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the barrier further isolates a soffit from the interior attic space of the attic. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the venting region vents air from a soffit vent through the venting region to at least one of a ridge vent and a gable vent. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein the barrier comprises a radiant barrier layer and an insulation layer, the radiant barrier layer forming a base layer fastening the insulation layer to the roof support structure and being disposed between the insulation layer and the bottom of the roof support structure. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment wherein a system for conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof deck supported by rafters, the system comprising insulated boards fastened to and isolating the rafters from an interior attic space defined by the roof deck and attic floor. The insulated boards cut and sized to cover an interior surface of the roof deck substantially in its entirety from attic floor to a top of the interior attic space, and seals applied to the insulated boards, the seals arranged to seal seams formed between adjoining edges of the insulated boards; wherein, the insulated boards and seals define a sealed barrier, closing the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building, isolating the roof deck from the interior space of the attic, and forming a venting region between the insulating boards and the interior surface of the roof deck, the venting region venting exterior air from outside the building through the venting region, and wherein the sealed barrier prevents migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the venting region comprises a void between the insulated boards and the interior surface of the roof deck, the void being substantially open to the exterior air outside the building and containing the rafters. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the insulated boards have a radiant barrier. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the insulated boards comprise graphite infused polystyrene foam boards having a radiant barrier on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the insulated boards. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the insulated boards isolate a soffit from the interior space of the attic. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the venting region vents air from a soffit vent through the venting region to a ridge vent. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the venting region vents air from a gable vent through the venting region to a ridge vent. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, a method of conditioning an attic of a building and venting a roof supported by a roof supporting structure, the method comprising covering a bottom of the roof supporting structure with a barrier that separates the bottom of the roof supporting structure from an interior attic space defined by the roof and attic floor; sealing the barrier and with the barrier closing the interior attic space from exterior air outside the building and isolating an interior surface of the roof from the interior attic space with the barrier forming a venting region between the barrier and the interior surface of the roof, the venting region venting exterior air from outside the building through the venting region; and preventing migration of air between the interior attic space and the venting region with the barrier. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the barrier comprises an insulating layer and a radiant barrier layer. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment,wherein the barrier comprises graphite infused polystyrene foam board having a radiant barrier on an interior surface and an exterior surface of the barrier. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, further comprising isolating a soffit from the interior space of the attic with the barrier. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the venting region vents air from a soffit vent through the venting region to a ridge vent. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, wherein the venting region vents air from a gable vent through the venting region to a ridge vent. 
     It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. For example, some or all of the disclosed embodiments above may use voice control. By way of further example, some or all of the embodiments disclosed may operate in an automatic, semi automatic or manual power assisted mode. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances.