Baffles preserve an airflow channel and separate incoming air from insulation at the roof edge. Specify the affected rafter bays and inspect continuity after insulation work.
Make the eave detail visible
For an owner, the most useful baffle discussion starts with the specific roof edge being treated. Ask the installer to show a representative location before insulation hides it. Have the proposal identify the baffle material and the area included in the work. A line reading only attic ventilation does not establish whether the insulation crew or roofing crew will provide these components or examine their continuity.
Account for difficult rafter bays
Corners, framing changes and older additions deserve explicit notes. Ask which bays can be reached and which require another access approach. Do not request that workers crawl onto unsupported ceiling material to obtain a photograph. Instead, ask the contractor to describe a safe inspection method and record unresolved locations. Where the detail changes, keep a separate photograph so a typical-bay image is not mistaken for documentation of the whole attic.
Protect the work during later visits
A useful closeout includes labeled eave photographs and instructions for the people who will service equipment in the attic. If storage is being rearranged or wiring added, share the locations of the protected paths. After additional insulation work, ask whether the original baffles remain visible and serviceable. The owner does not need to design the airflow channel; the objective is a documented scope, accessible evidence and a clear contact for any unfinished locations.
When reviewing photographs, ask for enough context to locate the bay rather than accepting only a close-up of an unidentified plastic or foam component. A labeled overview and a detail image work together. If an area requires a different approach because of framing, ask the installer to show that variation and explain which locations use it in the completion notes.
For related project preparation, see roof ventilation changes during replacement and roof replacement sequencing with attic insulation work. Bring the relevant photographs and existing proposal to Perkins when discussing the roof-specific scope.
Technical references: PNNL: air sealing vented attic ceilings; PNNL: attic air sealing and ventilation. These references provide background; the selected assembly and applicable project requirements determine the installation detail.