If you can see the attic s floor joints you need more insulation.
Attic condensation in summer.
What you see is condensation also known as ductwork sweating.
That s just the properties of moist air.
On hot days you may notice water droplets forming on your visible air ducts and wonder whether this is normal.
In the winter the condensation will form frost and in the summer this condensation can grow mold.
There are plenty of things you can do to minimize attic condensation from occurring.
Extra heat build up under the roof deck can cause your shingles to deteriorate much faster sometimes cutting their life expectancy in half.
If there is excessive moisture accumulation in your attic it will condense on cold areas mainly on the underside of your roof deck.
Condensation on your ceiling can cause water damage and promote the growth of mold or mildew.
Improper ventilation and insulation of home attic space can produce high humidity levels and trap.
The first signs of a condensation problem in your attic might show up during a re shingle on your roof.
Start by checking your attic s insulation level.
If you seal up the leaks on lower floors you may do without the humidifier and stay comfortable.
Wherever your a c cooled air is entering may be cooler and when that muggy summer air contacts any cold surfaces you may notice the attic condensation problem.
Why is that important.
The main goal is to keep your attic temperature the same as the outside air temperature in the summer as well as in winter.
You are approaching the 43 deg dew point and some colder surfaces like windows you will get condensation there.
The concern in summer is heat.
How does condensation get in the attic.
How to completely prevent condensation once you ve blocked the common entry points for air and thus moisture penetrating your attic space you can prevent moisture from accumulating in your attic in two main ways.
Attic insulation and ventilation go hand in hand.
This is especially important in your attic bypasses areas connecting to your home like heating ducts kitchen exhaust fans lighting fixtures bathroom vents etc.
Improper or no insulation of ducts.
Make sure they are properly insulated.
They keep your home cooler in the summer warmer in the winter and free from damage caused by moisture.
Good insulation is a must because it minimizes the amount of warm air entering the attic to begin with.
Summer is the time of year when your air conditioning unit has to work the hardest to cool your home.
If there are signs of rot on the roof sheathing then there has been prolonged moisture in the attic.
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.
Looking for signs of moisture.
In summer when the air conditioning is on the reverse happens.
The simple physics behind sweating is.