Nightmare calls from homeowners that have just had insulation installed and are realizing that they have serious problems with moisture condensing in their attics is a regular occurrence in the winter months. It seems that insulating contractors are out there just blowing in insulation without regard for moisture migration. Many seem to think it is not their problem. Homeowners try to increase the efficiency of their homes by installing more insulation in their attics. Contractors are happy to sell their insulation. The problem starts in the cold days of winter when the home is closed up and heat is running.
Moisture migrates through the walls and ceilings of the home and right through that new insulation! The moisture condenses on the back side of the roof deck and it rains onto that new insulation. Mold and mildew follow if the problem is not fixed in short order.
Make sure you get the straight story and the right job so that you will not become another sad homeowner that has mold, mildew, moisture, frost and rot festering in the attic.
One great opportunity to assure proper Air-Sealing of your attic is at the time you decide to replace the insulation. Too often new insulation is overlaid over the old material. Although this is acceptable in some cases, it can cause major problems. When there are airpasses that allow conditioned space air to enter the attic, an overlay will cause a greater disparity in pressure that may lead to major moisture problems in the attic. The best approach is always to remove the existing insulation and Air Seal and install new insulation.
The real dangers to this situation are the ruining of your insulation and the sunset of mold in your attic. To ignore these facts and go ahead with an overlay of attic insulation is to risk major health risks and expensive repairs.
Once mold has taken hold, everything should come out, but only through the use of a qualified mold remediation company. Mold must be contained and removal of the roof should not be done until the mold issues are resolves.
There is a lot of information on the internet that will help you in fixing this problem.
The same causes that result in increased interior attic moisture, frost on nails , etc., also causes ice dams on the eaves of the home.
Ice dams can cause major leaks in the winter and spring. The ice is caused by uneven melting of the snow and ice and blockages are formed on the eaves of the roof. Ice Dam prevention is not that hard to achieve.