![]() ![]() Although many attics do well with a ridge-and-soffit ventilation system, this system isn’t ideal for every home. If your attic has only soffit vents, only ridge vents or a gable vent on just one side, then the space isn’t getting enough airflow. It should allow air to flow both in and out. Next, take a look at your attic ventilation. Applying mastic gum to the duct joints and adding an R6 layer of insulation around your sheet metal ducts goes a long way toward protecting your attic and ceiling. Warm air escaping from a duct into a cold attic can create condensation and encourage mold growth. ![]() Take care of your attic HVAC air ducts, too. If possible, have your old recessed lights replaced with insulated can models. Recessed lighting tends to leak air, but it’s tricky to seal. Dropped soffits and kneewalls should also be sealed. If you have a furnace flue, fit aluminum flashing around it and seal the flashing with heat-resistant caulk. Fill joist spaces with rolled-up insulation batts. ![]() Apply rigid foam insulation to the top of the attic hatch and install weatherstripping on the edges of the hatch. In a region with cold winters, you might need up to an R60 layer or around 20 inches of fiberglass batts.īefore you install more insulation, seal any air leaks that could let attic air flow to your ceiling. In most parts of the country, an R38 layer of insulation, or about 10 to 14 inches of fiberglass batts, is enough. If you can see the attic’s floor joints, you need more insulation. Start by checking your attic’s insulation level. Improving your attic’s air sealing and insulation prevents attic air from reaching your ceiling, and it’s a fairly easy job to do yourself. In summer, when the air conditioning is on, the reverse happens. In an attic like this, wintertime ceiling condensation can form when cold air from the attic hits your warm ceiling. The most common cause of ceiling condensation is an attic with too little insulation and ventilation. Upgrade Your Attic © artursfoto / Adobe Stock By taking steps to get rid of that moisture, you can save your ceiling and keep your home more comfortable for less. The fact that there’s moisture on your ceiling at all is a strong indication your house has problems that are running up your energy bills, ruining your air quality, and stealing your comfort. If you don’t get it under control, even a small amount of ceiling condensation can quickly leave you with an ugly, blotchy, moldy mess overhead.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |