Drying Out Attic Insulation

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.

Drying out attic insulation.

Left untreated attic moisture contributes to mold and bacteria growth in the home. These conditions can compromise the health of occupants. It creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew and ruins the air trapping pockets that block heat flow. Choose from two types.

They sport insulation values of approximately r 6 5 and r 3 6 per inch respectively. If it is in a closet move the clothes out of the closet so loose insulation won t stick to them. Closed cell and open cell aka 2 pound and pound respectively. Locate the source of the water.

Clean up any standing water with large absorbent towels or a wet dry vacuum. Water is insulation s enemy. Drying a large area of soaked insulation as well as detecting mold is a labor intensive process. Drying out a wet attic.

The joists are usually spaced every 16 inches. How to dry out an attic 1. Identifying moisture in the attic. Inadequate ventilation attics must be vented to allow moist warm air to escape.

Put on protective gear such as gloves safety goggles and a breathing. Wet insulation means trapped moisture that will slowly degrade the entire roofing system from the decking to the. Spray foam attic insulation. Though causes can vary the most common causes are as follows.

Spray foam offers the best attic insulation performance available. Take a good flashlight and a tape measure. Box out light fixtures. If it s a leaky roof or pipe place buckets underneath the leak to collect the water.

If necessary use a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier may be used to reduce moisture in the air. Clothes dryers venting to your attic rather than outside firewood in your attic this type of wood encourages moisture in the air insufficient ventilation of warm moist air non existent or inadequate barrier between the attic and your. Wet insulation increases the burden on the building itself and over time can lead to warping and other structural.

Trapped moisture encourages corrosion of roofing fasteners and. 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. How to dry out a wet attic top causes of attic moisture. Coping with wet insulation.

To dry out a moist attic be sure to properly ventilate and insulate the space.