Attic Insulation Problems

A moist attic means moist insulation and moist insulation is less effective.

Attic insulation problems. When that happens you end up with an attic that is less energy efficient than before a second layer of insulation was added. How to fix attic moisture problems the solution is extremely simple in theory don t allow warm humid air from the house into places where it will cool off and condense. Although the insulation is dirty it is still okay to use. Insulation problems related to age include old and deteriorating insulation to fallen insulation within the attic s interior walls.

These can include installation of seamless gutters and downspouts. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. If the problem is the result of water or moisture penetrating the foundation or floor slab there are many remedial actions which may help.

In warmer weather you might find water staining in these same areas. If the home doesn t have an adequate vapor barrier and there are leaks then that water absorbs into traditional forms of insulation like fiberglass and cellulose. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. Insulation may also be affected by other factors such as harbored allergens toxins or mold.

The problem was that the installers missed some areas at the soffit in the attic above the master bedroom and gaps around the tray ceiling allowed the humid air into the room where it naturally found the cold surface to condense on. Simple thermal analysis reveals that if you have 5 missing insulation in an attic bare sheetrock you ll have a slightly more than a 54 drop in r value. R value simply means resistance to heat flow. Another disadvantage to blowing insulation into wall spaces is that an obstruction in the wall such as a drainpipe an outlet box or any other type of unseen barrier for example a cross board.

Vent baffles at soffit are covered or no vent baffles when new loose insulation is blown over older batt insulation sometimes the vent baffles at the soffit get buried. Attic insulation problems mildew and mold in attic insulation mold is one of the more common issues found in attic insulation. In cold weather you may see frosty areas in the insulation caused by warm moist air condensing and then freezing as it meets the cold air in the attic. These thermal defects undermine the r value of your attic insulation.

As this example illustrates it s important to seal the envelope completely.