Section 9.19 — Roof Spaces

(1) Except where it can be shown to be unnecessary, where insulation is installed between a ceiling and the underside of the roof sheathing, a space shall be provided between the insulation and the sheathing, and vents shall be installed to permit the movement of air from the space to the exterior. (See Note A-9.19.1.1.(1))

(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), the unobstructed vent area shall be not less than 1/300 of the insulated ceiling area. (2) Where the roof slope is less than 1 in 6 or in roofs that are constructed with roof joists, the unobstructed vent area shall be not less than 1/150 of the insulated ceiling area. (3) Required vents may be roof type, eave type, gable-end type or any combination thereof, and shall be distributed (a) uniformly on opposite sides of the building, (b) with not less than 25% of the required openings located at the top of the space, and (c) with not less than 25% of the required openings located at the bottom of the space. (4) Except where each roof joist space referred to in Sentence (2) is separately vented, roof joist spaces shall be interconnected by installing purlins not less than 38 mm by 38 mm on the top of the roof joists. (5) Vents shall comply with CAN3-A93-M, “Natural Airflow Ventilators for Buildings.”

(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), where venting is provided to a roof joist space, not less than 63 mm of space shall be provided between the top of the insulation and the underside of the roof sheathing. (2) Where venting is provided at the junction of sloped roofs and exterior walls and where preformed baffles are used to contain the insulation, the baffles shall (a) provide an unobstructed air space, between the insulation and the underside of the roof sheathing, that is (i) not less than 25 mm in dimension, and (ii) of sufficient cross area to meet the attic or roof space venting requirements of Article 9.19.1.2., and (b) extend vertically not less than 50 mm above the top of the insulation. (3) Ceiling insulation shall be installed in a manner that will not restrict the free flow of air through roof vents or through any portion of the attic or roof space.

(1) The lower portion of a mansard or gambrel style roof need not be ventilated. (2) The upper portion of roofs described in Sentence (1) shall be ventilated in conformance with Articles 9.19.1.1. to 9.19.1.3.

(1) Every attic or roof space shall be provided with an access hatch where the attic or roof space (a) measures not less than (i) 10 m² in area, (ii) 1 000 mm in length or width, and (iii) 600 mm in height over at least the area described in Subclauses (i) and (ii), or (b) contains a fuel-fired appliance. (See Note A-9.19.2.1.(1)) (2) The hatch required in Sentence (1) shall be not less than 550 mm by 900 mm except that, where the hatch serves not more than one dwelling unit, the hatch may be reduced to 0.32 m2 in area with no dimension less than 500 mm. (See Note A-9.19.2.1.(2)) (3) Hatchways to attic or roof spaces shall be fitted with doors or covers.