Drying attic before insulating
ccampbell
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
My attic is a disaster at the moment. The walls are covered in frost and/or wet. I assume I need to dry it out, back to a “normal” moisture content before adding closed cell insulation to the roof deck to solve this problem. What is the ideal moisture content?
Replies
C Campbell,
To solve your problem, you don't need insulation.
You need to air seal all the leaks in the ceiling between your heated space below and the attic above.
That's what's causing the condensation.
You should also investigate whether you have a damp basement or crawlspace. I bet you do.
Martin Holladay, senior editor
GreenBuildingAdvisor.com
Yes, I plan to do that as well. Unfortunately with the temperatures as cold as they are, I can't caulk or foam up there. Also, I want to finish the space and add air tight insulation to the roof. My thinking is that should also help block air movement and therefore prevent the moist air from rising up and out through the attic.