Drying Out Attic Insulation

Spray foam attic insulation.

Drying out attic insulation. Wet insulation means trapped moisture that will slowly degrade the entire roofing system from the decking to the. Moisture in the attic is relatively easy for homeowners to identify as it s usually. Closed cell and open cell aka 2 pound and pound respectively. How to dry out an attic 1.

Take a good flashlight and a tape measure. If it s a leaky roof or pipe place buckets underneath the leak to collect the water. Drying out a wet attic. When walking in the attic in older houses step only on the wooden joists that cover the floor.

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. Choose from two types. The joists are usually spaced every 16 inches. Though causes can vary the most common causes are as follows.

Trapped moisture encourages corrosion of roofing fasteners and. If it is in a closet move the clothes out of the closet so loose insulation won t stick to them. Water is insulation s enemy. Wet insulation increases the burden on the building itself and over time can lead to warping and other structural.

Inadequate ventilation attics must be vented to allow moist warm air to escape. 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. Box out light fixtures. If necessary use a dehumidifier.

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. Identifying moisture in the attic. To dry out a moist attic be sure to properly ventilate and insulate the space. They sport insulation values of approximately r 6 5 and r 3 6 per inch respectively.

Left untreated attic moisture contributes to mold and bacteria growth in the home. These conditions can compromise the health of occupants. How to dry out a wet attic top causes of attic moisture. Clean up any standing water with large absorbent towels or a wet dry vacuum.

Coping with wet insulation. 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. A dehumidifier may be used to reduce moisture in the air. Put on protective gear such as gloves safety goggles and a breathing.

It creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew and ruins the air trapping pockets that block heat flow.