Most homeowners realize they have a problem when they see a stain on their ceiling. Sometimes these stains are caused by roof leaks and sometimes by Ice Dams. Sometimes the water is coming from the moisture in the air from your living area. The daily amount of generated household moisture for a family of four is indicated below:

• Bathing 1 pint
• Drying clothes 26 pints
• Washing 5 pints
• Perspiring and breathing 12 pints
• Dishwashing 1 pint
• Steam from cooking 5 pints
• Possible total for 50 pints or
• Family of four 6 1/4 gallons

Generally, occupants of households are comfortable when the temperature and relative humidity are maintained 68 to 72 °F and 25 to 50 percent relative humidity. Normally, mildew is a problem at a maintained relative humidity level above 60 percent, and static electricity is noticeable in cold weather at levels of 20 percent or lower. If the humidity is high a dehumidifier may help but will not fix the problem.

If dark grey or black spots appear on walls, behind curtains, under rugs, or other damp places, it is probably mildew. You can usually remove this by scrubbing thoroughly with this solution:

• 8 to 12 ounces liquid household bleach
• 2 ounces liquid detergent
• 1 gallon of water

Washing mildew from the surface is only a temporary solution. If conditions are not changed, the mildew will probably return.

I have seen this condensation cover an entire attic area. The bottom of the decking can be soaking wet and dripping. The insulation wet and water running down the walls.

I have even seen all of this condensation frozen, with a layer of frost over the rafters and decking. This problem is very similar to the Ice dam problem. What is happening is warm moist air is entering the attic from the living area. Finding these areas is the key to success. There are many areas that the air from your home can move into the attic here is a list of a few

PLACES TO LOOK

These openings and penetrations need to be sealed off. There are many a ways of sealing them from spray foam to caulk and even duct tape. One way of finding the areas that are leaking hot air through is with positive pressure. Close all the windows and doors in your home except one set a large fan at that door to pressurize the house. Then from the attic area you can see where the air is blowing thru. To find all the areas that need sealed all the insulation will need to be lifted. Always where a protective suit and respirator while working with insulation. I would suggest hiring the work out as it is quite a task to undertake.

Cold spots are another problem with the same results. Cold spots happen where insulation settles in wall cavities or where insulation in the attic gets blown from the edges. Usually repositioning of the insulation or installing more will take care of this problem.

Ventilation can be a problem but most roofers install enough vents today. Building codes require 1 square foot of ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic floor. Half of this should be intake and the other half exhaust. Adding more vents could actually make your problem worse by pulling more warm moist air out of the living area into the attic.

Moisture in the home is a problem that can be caused by many different areas from the foundation to the roof. It is a good idea to get an expert involved when you find excessive moisture in the attic or anywhere else.

If you have any other questions on this subject or a different one please email me at jim@newimageconstruction.biz

Jim Trietsch
New Image Construction