These thermal defects undermine the r value of your attic insulation.
Attic insulation problems.
Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.
A moist attic means moist insulation and moist insulation is less effective.
The most important first step is to vent that damned bath fan directly out through the roof.
Vent baffles at soffit are covered or no vent baffles when new loose insulation is blown over older batt insulation sometimes the vent baffles at the soffit get buried.
In warmer weather you might find water staining in these same areas.
Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.
As this example illustrates it s important to seal the envelope completely.
In cold weather you may see frosty areas in the insulation caused by warm moist air condensing and then freezing as it meets the cold air in the attic.
The best solution for controlling moisture is at its source.
How to fix attic moisture problems the solution is extremely simple in theory don t allow warm humid air from the house into places where it will cool off and condense.
If the problem is the result of water or moisture penetrating the foundation or floor slab there are many remedial actions which may help.
When that happens you end up with an attic that is less energy efficient than before a second layer of insulation was added.
Insulation problems related to age include old and deteriorating insulation to fallen insulation within the attic s interior walls.
Although the insulation is dirty it is still okay to use.
Attic insulation problems mildew and mold in attic insulation mold is one of the more common issues found in attic insulation.
Another disadvantage to blowing insulation into wall spaces is that an obstruction in the wall such as a drainpipe an outlet box or any other type of unseen barrier for example a cross board.
R value simply means resistance to heat flow.
For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.
These can include installation of seamless gutters and downspouts.
Simple thermal analysis reveals that if you have 5 missing insulation in an attic bare sheetrock you ll have a slightly more than a 54 drop in r value.
Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation.