PROPER VENTILATION WILL PREVENT ATTIC MOISTURE FROM BECOMING A PROBLEM!
Early signs of excess attic moisture include wet insulation, water dripping down flue pipes from the roof, water dripping from fire detectors, light fixtures, bath fans, or condensation on interior window panes, frost build up on wood sheathing in winter, the smell of mildew, or dark black staining on wood surfaces. These signs should be addressed right away..
The best way to manage attic moisture is proper cross ventilation (intake & exhaust) in your attic space. Correct intake and exhaust vents are key to a safe, healthy attic. Especially in the winter, the Midwest, where we experience very cold temperatures requiring heating systems to run round the clock, heated air rises up into the attic. When hot air collides with stagnant cold air in the attic, moisture condensation occurs.
While insulation will reduce the rate at which heat will pass from living spaces into the attic, it does nothing in the way of managing moisture. Moisture that settles on insulation can reduce the performance of insulation. Wet or damp insulation loses most of its ability to resist migrant heat, in other words it does not do a proper job of insulating. Poor performing insulation will costs you money, and unnecessary wear and tear on heating and cooling systems. If you have wet insulation in your attic space, do NOT insulate over it. You will only be creating more problems for yourself in the future.
DO DRYER VENTS & BATH FANS EXHAUST INTO YOUR ATTIC?
Many homeowners have an increased risk of moisture related issues because they have their bathroom exhaust fans and/or clothing dryer exhausting into their attic space rather than exhausting out the exterior of the home. Both systems move very moist air. If your attic is not well ventilated, all that moisture builds up in your attic. Bath fans and dry exhaust should always be vented outdoors.
Damp insulation loses its ability to insulate properly, so even if you have ample insulation, if it is moist or wet you are wasting money and putting added wear and tear on heating and cooling systems, reducing their life cycle.
Early signs of excess attic moisture include wet insulation, water dripping down flue pipes from the roof, water dripping from fire detectors, light fixtures, bath fans, or condensation on interior window panes, frost build up on wood sheathing in winter, the smell of mildew, or dark black staining on wood surfaces. These signs should be addressed right away..
The best way to manage attic moisture is proper cross ventilation (intake & exhaust) in your attic space. Correct intake and exhaust vents are key to a safe, healthy attic. Especially in the winter, the Midwest, where we experience very cold temperatures requiring heating systems to run round the clock, heated air rises up into the attic. When hot air collides with stagnant cold air in the attic, moisture condensation occurs.
While insulation will reduce the rate at which heat will pass from living spaces into the attic, it does nothing in the way of managing moisture. Moisture that settles on insulation can reduce the performance of insulation. Wet or damp insulation loses most of its ability to resist migrant heat, in other words it does not do a proper job of insulating. Poor performing insulation will costs you money, and unnecessary wear and tear on heating and cooling systems. If you have wet insulation in your attic space, do NOT insulate over it. You will only be creating more problems for yourself in the future.
DO DRYER VENTS & BATH FANS EXHAUST INTO YOUR ATTIC?
Many homeowners have an increased risk of moisture related issues because they have their bathroom exhaust fans and/or clothing dryer exhausting into their attic space rather than exhausting out the exterior of the home. Both systems move very moist air. If your attic is not well ventilated, all that moisture builds up in your attic. Bath fans and dry exhaust should always be vented outdoors.
Damp insulation loses its ability to insulate properly, so even if you have ample insulation, if it is moist or wet you are wasting money and putting added wear and tear on heating and cooling systems, reducing their life cycle.
WE SPECIALIZES IN DAMAGED MOIST INSULATION
We help homeowners protect against attic moisture damage. Some times, we are too late. In those situations we help homeowners fully assess their damage and quickly implement repairs. We also help to prevent future moisture related problems.
Most people think that moisture is a normal side affect in the humid summer or during rainy seasons. This is not true. Daily activities generate moisture that can pass into your attic, year round. The average family generates 2-4 gallons of water vapor per day. This moisture can collect in your attic space and over time may result in mildew, mold, and wood rot. Moisture build-up can weaken your roof rafters, sheathing, wall components, and flooring systems.
ATTIC MOISTURE – OFTEN AN EXPENSIVE PROBLEM
MOISTURE MANAGEMENT TIPS
› Attic temperatures should be kept as close as possible to ambient air temperatures (outside temps).
› Moisture condensation on window panes? Your humidity levels are too high.
› Water dripping from light fixtures, fire alarms, fans, or vents are all indications you have moisture problems.
› If you have a humidifier, keep it set to 30 percent or less to minimize moisture levels in your home.
› Inspect your attic twice a year (winter & summer) to make sure moisture is not a problem.
› Never exhaust your dryer or bathroom exhaust fan directly into your attic space.
We help homeowners protect against attic moisture damage. Some times, we are too late. In those situations we help homeowners fully assess their damage and quickly implement repairs. We also help to prevent future moisture related problems.
Most people think that moisture is a normal side affect in the humid summer or during rainy seasons. This is not true. Daily activities generate moisture that can pass into your attic, year round. The average family generates 2-4 gallons of water vapor per day. This moisture can collect in your attic space and over time may result in mildew, mold, and wood rot. Moisture build-up can weaken your roof rafters, sheathing, wall components, and flooring systems.
ATTIC MOISTURE – OFTEN AN EXPENSIVE PROBLEM
MOISTURE MANAGEMENT TIPS
› Attic temperatures should be kept as close as possible to ambient air temperatures (outside temps).
› Moisture condensation on window panes? Your humidity levels are too high.
› Water dripping from light fixtures, fire alarms, fans, or vents are all indications you have moisture problems.
› If you have a humidifier, keep it set to 30 percent or less to minimize moisture levels in your home.
› Inspect your attic twice a year (winter & summer) to make sure moisture is not a problem.
› Never exhaust your dryer or bathroom exhaust fan directly into your attic space.