Why is my attic getting condensation and what can I do about it?
Hopefully my poorly draw picture attached will show my issue. I’m in the Seattle WA area climate. My house is 22 years old. Original spec home. I’m a new owner. The house has a high ceiling/space over the Family Room that vents into the attic space above. In the winter, there is condensation where that high ceiling space meets the attic. My theory is that the air that travels through the high ceiling space is getting heated and gathers moisture. When the air gets to the cool attic area it condenses.
Is there any way I can fix it?
Note the “bird block” (2″x4″ with three screened holes) is between the high ceiling area and the attic. I don’t know what that serves. I calculated the square feet of the attic area (812 sq.ft.), the total soffit vent Net Free Area (NFA) (5.3 sq.ft.), and the Roof Vent NFA (3.5 sq.ft.).
Curt
Replies
Most likely cause is air leaking from the conditioned space into the attic.
Check for gaps anywhere in the ceiling and walls that will allow air movement into the attic. Ceiling light fixtures and electrical outlets are a typical problem area.