Attic Moisture Problems

Attic moisture during the winter can decrease the effectiveness of insulation and over time cause significant damage to structural elements in the attic including rafters and trusses.

Attic moisture problems.

Condensation in the attic is a serious problem that must be addressed by homeowners. An enthalpy core reduces moisture in the air stream by some percentage of the difference between the outside and inside air but does nothing to dry the ventilated space if outside dew point is higher. Most modern ductwork comes standard with insulation and a vapor barrier so my recommendation would be to just replace your ductwork. Closing drapes causes the glass temperature and the temperature of the air between the drape and the glass to become cooler making condensation more.

Otherwise moisture will build up and you can face possible mold problems in your attic. For those who are having a problem with attic condensation it is important to first check the roof to make sure that it is sound and that it is not allowing moisture to seep into the attic. If the roof is not sound it should be repaired. A balanced ventilation system would only reduce attic moisture when outdoor dew point is lower than in the attic.

Once the roof has been dealt with there are a number of ways to manage the ventilation within the attic. You can prevent these problems from occurring by maintaining a dry attic with a low relative. After moisture penetration is controlled as best as possible the next approach to reducing attic moisture is by controlling air infiltration. The next step is to ensure that you add a vapor barrier to your ductwork.

Looking for signs of moisture. In the winter the condensation will form frost and in the summer this condensation can grow mold. Simply by sealing the various possible paths of air leakage already discussed infiltration will be reduced therefore restricting the movement of air and eliminating the stack effect. Condensation on your ceiling can cause water damage and promote the growth of mold or mildew.

If there are signs of rot on the roof sheathing then there has been prolonged moisture in the attic. Attic clean up professionals always look for signs of moisture in attics and homeowners should regularly do this as well. While many homeowners usually associate dampness with basements or crawl spaces attics can suffer from moisture problems just as easily which can lead to damaged insulation structural issues and problems with mold. The first signs of a condensation problem in your attic might show up during a re shingle on your roof.

The best way to deal with condensation on high quality double glazed windows is to reduce indoor relative humidity to no more the 40 percent several conditions can increase condensation problems. Attic moisture can also contribute. If left untreated it can damage critical structural elements of the home such as the trusses and rafters ruin insulation damage any stored belongings and lead to the formation of potentially toxic black mold.