Drying Out Attic Insulation

Left untreated attic moisture contributes to mold and bacteria growth in the home.

Drying out attic insulation.

When walking in the attic in older houses step only on the wooden joists that cover the floor. How to dry out a wet attic top causes of attic moisture. Water is insulation s enemy. Wet insulation means trapped moisture that will slowly degrade the entire roofing system from the decking to the.

A dehumidifier may be used to reduce moisture in the air. Moisture in the attic is relatively easy for homeowners to identify as it s usually. Trapped moisture encourages corrosion of roofing fasteners and. Because fiberglass batts are relatively low cost instead of attempting to salvage wet possibly contaminated material the better option may be removal and replacement with new insulation.

Coping with wet insulation. 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. If necessary use a dehumidifier.

Put on protective gear such as gloves safety goggles and a breathing. Locate the source of the water. How to dry out an attic 1. Spray foam attic insulation.

Though causes can vary the most common causes are as follows. Drying a large area of soaked insulation as well as detecting mold is a labor intensive process. Box out light fixtures. Drying out a wet attic.

If it s a leaky roof or pipe place buckets underneath the leak to collect the water. Spray foam offers the best attic insulation performance available. It creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew and ruins the air trapping pockets that block heat flow. To dry out a moist attic be sure to properly ventilate and insulate the space.

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. Inadequate ventilation attics must be vented to allow moist warm air to escape. Clean up any standing water with large absorbent towels or a wet dry vacuum. Wet insulation increases the burden on the building itself and over time can lead to warping and other structural.

Identifying moisture in the attic. The joists are usually spaced every 16 inches. 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. These conditions can compromise the health of occupants.

Closed cell and open cell aka 2 pound and pound respectively.