R806.4 Unvented attic assemblies. Unvented attic assemblies (spaces between the ceiling joists of the top story and the roof rafters) shall be permitted if all the following conditions are met:
- 1. The unvented attic space is completely contained within the building thermal envelope.
- 2. No interior vapor retarders are installed on the ceiling side (attic floor) of the unvented attic assembly.
- 3. Where wood shingles or shakes are used, a minimum 1/4 inch (6 mm) vented air space separates the shingles or shakes and the roofing underlayment above the structural sheathing.
- 4. In climate zones 5, 6, 7 and 8, any air-impermeable insulation shall be a vapor retarder, or shall have a vapor retarder coating or covering in direct contact with the underside of the insulation.
- 5. Either Items 5.1, 5.2 or 5.3 shall be met, depending on the air permeability of the insulation directly under the structural roof sheathing.
- 5.1. Air-impermeable insulation only. Insulation shall be applied in direct contact with the underside of the structural roof sheathing.
- 5.2. Air-permeable insulation only. In addition to the air-permeable installed directly below the structural sheathing, rigid board or sheet insulation shall be installed directly above the structural roof sheathing as specified in Table R806.4 for condensation control.
- 5.3. Air-impermeable and air-permeable insulation. The air-impermeable insulation shall be applied in direct contact with the underside of the structural roof sheathing as specified in Table R806.4 for condensation control. The air-permeable insulation shall be installed directly under the air-impermeable insulation.
TABLE R806.4 INSULATION FOR CONDENSATION CONTROLCLIMATE ZONE MINIMUM RIGID BOARD ON AIR-IMPERMEABLE INSULATION R-VALUEa 2B and 3B tile roof only 0 (none required) 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3C R-5 4C R-10 4A, 4B R-15 5 R-20 6 R-25 7 R-30 8 R-35 a. Contributes to but does not supersede Chapter 11 energy requirements.

