Attic Moisture Control

Attic insulation and ventilation go hand in hand.

Attic moisture control.

The first step is to control moisture in the house by ensuring that the dryer and all baths vent to the exterior. Storm doors and windows minimize cool surfaces in the winter by separating the interior from cold outside air. Controlling indoor moisture when you see moisture accumulating dry it promptly and deal with the source of the problem. In most parts of the country passive ventilation is important for attics and crawl spaces and mechanical ventilation is desirable for kitchens laundries and baths.

Adequate natural ventilation is important in the attics of homes. Moisture control in walls it is a myth that installing vapor barriers is the most important step for controlling moisture in walls. Two basic elements of controlling moisture buildup are minimizing cool surfaces and reducing humidity. Regularly airing out your attic is a very simple and effective way to prevent the formation of attic moisture.

If you live in a warmer climate you may want to air out your attic twice a week. They keep your home cooler in the summer warmer in the winter and free from damage caused by moisture. Why is that important. If your attic features a window open it as well.

Vapor barriers only retard moisture due to diffusion while most moisture enters walls either through fluid capillary action or as water vapor through air leaks. Once a week open your attic door and leave it open for several hours. The main goal is to keep your attic temperature the same as the outside air temperature in the summer as well as in winter. If a vaporretarder is not present in the ceiling to slow migration of moisture from thehome s interior into the attic attics require 1 square foot of free vent areafor each 150 square feet of attic area.

Ventilation plays some role in keeping attics dry but controlling indoor humidity. Moisture control strategies ventilation and circulation with outdoor air are the major moisture control strategies for attics and crawl spaces. If the problem is the result of water or moisture penetrating the foundation or floor slab there are many remedial actions which may help. A moist attic means moist insulation and moist insulation is less effective.

These can include installation of seamless gutters and downspouts. Most climates require these moisture control steps. The best solution for controlling moisture is at its source.