Water in the insulation

AaronB · 01-31-2007, 11:45 AM

You need to vent the attic (making the insulation useless) or install a de-humidifier, or remove the insulation and place new dry insulation on the ceiling.

AaronB · 01-31-2007, 11:47 AM

With a monolithic vapor barrier, not a vapor retarder, which slows, but does not stop air infiltraion.

Look into SPF insulation...a complete air stop if installed correctly.

dpreznik · 01-31-2007, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronB

You need to vent the attic (making the insulation useless) or install a de-humidifier, or remove the insulation and place new dry insulation on the ceiling.

Did you mean to install the dehumidifier temorarily, just to let the insulation to dry up?
I would prefer not to replace insulation or vapor barrier, because it would require to destroy all the walls and ceiling, and it would be a pity.

concretemasonry · 01-31-2007, 02:56 PM

You will not dry out fiberglass with a dumidifier, no matter how long you use it. A dehumidifier is just that - it is not a dryer and does not have enough air flow or provide circulation. This is espeicially true if you have the wall finished or covered.

Even if you take out the insulation, you will be surprised what it takes to really remove the moisture. - Do you have a very long covered closeline with good circulation in an arid climate?

The longer you leave the wet insulation in the wall with wood and cellulose (if you have sheetrock), the better chance to get mold and rot. It happens faster in warm weather and a roof gets warm without ventilation.

AaronB · 01-31-2007, 04:22 PM

I did not mean to use the de-humidifier to dry out the insulation.

If you cannot access the insulation, how do you know it's wet?

dpreznik · 01-31-2007, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronB

I did not mean to use the de-humidifier to dry out the insulation.

If you cannot access the insulation, how do you know it's wet?

I can access it in a limited area, behind a knee wall. I have a door there. Behind that wall, the insulation is not covered with sheetrock.

AaronB · 02-01-2007, 12:07 AM

Is this a Cape Cod?

dpreznik · 02-01-2007, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronB

Is this a Cape Cod?

I am sorry, I don't understand the question.

redline · 02-01-2007, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpreznik

I am sorry, I don't understand the question.

I believe AaronB is asking what style of house do you have.
ie. Cape Code, colonial, ranch, victorian...

dpreznik · 02-01-2007, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redline

I believe AaronB is asking what style of house do you have.
ie. Cape Code, colonial, ranch, victorian...

It is a ranch. It has a cathedral ceiling over the living room, and stairs to an inside balcony over the living room. The balcony leads to the attic over bedrooms, which I turned into a new room.

AaronB · 02-01-2007, 12:16 PM

If it is, indeed, condensation, instead of a roof leak, then you will probably need to add insulation in order to move the dew point to within the insulation assembly. Then, your warm moist air will not condense on the ceiling cuz there will not be a thermal differential. No cold surface, no condensate.

A de-humidifier to remove heater gas moisture would surely aid in your efforts. I think I would try this first, depending on your climate.

dpreznik · 02-01-2007, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronB

If it is, indeed, condensation, instead of a roof leak, then you will probably need to add insulation in order to move the dew point to within the insulation assembly. Then, your warm moist air will not condense on the ceiling cuz there will not be a thermal differential. No cold surface, no condensate.

But I have no more space for additional insulation, I installed as much as possible. R49

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronB

A de-humidifier to remove heater gas moisture would surely aid in your efforts. I think I would try this first, depending on your climate.

Do you mean even before installing the ridge vent?
BTW, maybe you know about how much it may cost to install the ridge vent, if the roof is 47 feet long?
Thanks.

AaronB · 02-01-2007, 02:15 PM

If it is happenening how you say it is, I do not think ridge vent will help the condensation problem, but your roof still needs underside venting.

I would install a shingle-over ridge vent on a walkable ranch 47 feet long for approximately $900.00.

You would still be left with your air exfiltration problem. I think a vapor BARRIER would help immensely, but you would have to do either roof deconstruction, or interior deconstruction.

dpreznik · 02-01-2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronB

If it is happenening how you say it is, I do not think ridge vent will help the condensation problem, but your roof still needs underside venting.
...
You would still be left with your air exfiltration problem. I think a vapor BARRIER would help immensely, but you would have to do either roof deconstruction, or interior deconstruction.

I used to have vapor barrier, but in the spring, water was condensed between the barrier and retarder, so I removed it before even installing the sheetrock. I guess it would be better to remove the retarder, but now it is too late. I am in desperation.

AaronB · 02-01-2007, 03:40 PM

Find the source of moisture infiltration and seal it off.