The two most common types of insulation fiberglass batts and blown in cellulose loose fill are vulnerable to attic water damage in two specific ways.
Insulation damp in attic.
Saturated insulation typically loses at least 40 of its insulating r value.
Loss of insulating value.
A moist attic means moist insulation and moist insulation is less effective.
Coping with wet insulation if the fiberglass within your wall cavity or in your attic becomes wet from a leaky roof or burst pipe it will lose insulating effectiveness until the material dries out.
And to make matters worse these holes are not easily identified unless it s raining.
A roof timbers within an attic can become damp from two sources.
There are dozens of things that can cause condensation buildups in the attic one of which is a leaking roof.
Common causes of condensation in the attic.
Allowing moisture to build up inside your attic can lead to a wide range of problems later down the road.
Insulation plus of sarasota offers quality blown in insulation radiant barrier insulation and solar attic fans to keep your home cool and save on energy costs.
Box out light fixtures.
It can also cause mold to grow on roof sheathing trusses rafters and ceiling floor.
Instead this type of venting pulls hotter air into your attic where it naturally rises up to the roof s peak.
You may notice small black spots of mold forming on the insulation boxes and even the framework in your attic.
The typical expected cause is water penetration from the exterior due to a defective roof covering.
Even a small pin head sized hole can send gallons of water pouring into your attic over the course of a couple months.
The best solution for controlling moisture is at its source.
With our professional insulation crew we can quickly remove insulation if necessary and install new insulation to r 38 sarasota.
This accumulation can leak through the attic floor and into your living space.
Wet insulation no longer performs its primary function of inhibiting heat transfer.
Look for water stains on the roof sheathing or damp or moldy spots on attic joists and existing insulation as a clue to where leaks might be.
Unless you re using mineral wool insulation or your fixtures are rated safe for contact with any type of insulation don t allow the material to touch or cover recessed cans or lights from the floor below it s a fire hazard.
It is common for poorly vented and insulated attics to develop attic condensation.
Roof ventilation is a passive system.
These can include installation of seamless gutters and downspouts.
This means there is no engine circulating air through the vents.
Noticeable musky damp odor.