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Moisture problems can affect every corner of the house, and the attic is no exception. In case of sign of humidity in the attic, it is essential to call, without delay, a specialist to dry and clean the damaged walls.

Beware of wet attics

It is not uncommon for spaces under the roof and attics to be affected by moisture. It is even a fairly frequent and recurring problem. Moisture settles due to poor thermal insulation of the roof, insufficient heating, non-functional controlled mechanical ventilation (VMC)... The ambient air is then loaded with moisture and the water can infiltrate the walls (wall, floor, ceiling) and cause damage (mold, saltpetre, risk of allergy...).

During the summer, the heat emitted by the sun through the roof keeps the attic dry. Problems arise especially during the winter season.

Humidity in the attic: the causes

Moisture can be generated by poor ventilation. The risk of water infiltration is even greater when the joists, the roof, the floor, the walls are not waterproof.

Among the possible causes, we can also note heat loss through the roof or openings. This can cause condensation on the inside of the roof: the drops of water that are created can then flow inwards.

Solutions to reduce humidity in the attic

Depending on the problems identified by the professional (infiltration or condensation), different actions may be considered. If the problem is at the joists, they must be isolated or replaced.

The different rooms in the house must also be well ventilated, especially damp rooms. In this way, the air rising to the attic is less humid.

Finally, we must also consider the installation of a powerful ventilation device at the level of the attic. A dehumidifier can also limit humidity in the attic without fixing the cause of the problem.

Treating the humidity of the attic helps fight against the proliferation of molds and other damage that can cause sometimes serious damage to the house. In any case, you must contact a professional who will carry out a complete diagnosis in order to propose a solution adapted to the type of problem and your budget.

Humidity in the attic

FAQ - 💬

❓ What should the humidity be in an attic?

👉 If there is too much moisture in your attic, it will condense on the upper portion of your roof deck which rusts the exposed nail, rots the deck, and could inspire mold to grow. Throughout winter, your home should have about a 35% to 40% humidity level.

❓ How do I dehumidify my attic?

👉 A dehumidifier can remove it. After from sealing things up and fixing your pressure balance, this is usually the best solution to high humidity in a spray foamed attic. Put a dehumidifier up there, plug it in, set it between 50 and 60% RH, and forget about it.

❓ Should I run a dehumidifier in my attic?

👉 Yes, a dehumidifier can help reduce moist buildup in your attic. It retains moisture and stores it in a tank, and you only need to drain it out frequently. To avoid regular drainage, you can get one with a bigger tank that will take longer to fill.

❓ What humidity is too high in attic?

👉 If your humidity level consistently rises above 70 percent, consider installing a dehumidifier. You might also install a humidistat that automatically turns your attic fan on to vent out humidity once the level exceeds 70 percent. An attic that stays overly humid for days or weeks on end can eventually lead to leaks.

❓ Why is the humidity so high in my attic?

👉 Excess humidity can be caused by many factors such as poor ventilation, roof leaks, heating sources, and excessive insulation. Controlling this excess moisture from your attic is crucial for your health and safety. For that, a dehumidifier could be a good solution to control the excess humidity in your attic.

❓ Should you use a dehumidifier in attic?

👉 Moisture build-up can go unnoticed for long periods, as most homeowners rarely visit the attic. Moisture in the attic can catalyze mold formation. This damages joists, rafters, and insulation. Once moisture is detected, it is essential to act quickly and install a dehumidifier to prevent further damage.

❓ Why is my attic so humid in the winter?

👉 The source of moisture in the attic is from moisture in the home. If the attic is not properly vented to allow the moisture to escape, moisture will build up and condensation will occur on the underside of a cold roof in the winter.

❓ Should I dehumidify my attic?

👉 Yes, a dehumidifier can help reduce moist buildup in your attic. It retains moisture and stores it in a tank, and you only need to drain it out frequently. To avoid regular drainage, you can get one with a bigger tank that will take longer to fill.

❓ How much humidity is too much in attic?

👉 Typically, the ideal humidity level is between 35% and 50%. If it's much higher than 50%, you should find out the reasons for high humidity, or you can also use a good Dehumidifier for Attic to eliminate the excess moisture.

❓ Should I put a dehumidifier in my attic?

👉 Yes, a dehumidifier can help reduce moist buildup in your attic. It retains moisture and stores it in a tank, and you only need to drain it out frequently. To avoid regular drainage, you can get one with a bigger tank that will take longer to fill.

❓ Will insulating the attic help with humidity?

👉 Adding insulation is called retrofitting. Retrofitting or replacing insulation is a good investment. It will hold your home's ambient temperature consistently and comfortably while preventing humidity and moisture fluctuations. It's a win-win because it will also lower your monthly heating and cooling costs.

❓ Is the humidity in your attic too high?

👉 How to Reduce the Humidity in Your Attic - MASCON, INC. When attic humidity is too high, the effects can wreak absolute havoc on your home and everyone in it. Mold growth, water damage, and health risks are all ever-present dangers when indoor humidity is too high. When this is the case in the attic, it poses a threat to the roof over your head.

❓ How can I lower the humidity in my attic?

👉 As a general rule, the lower the outdoor temperature, the lower the recommended humidity setting. You want to avoid ice buildup or condensation that could lead to structural problems in your attic. In warmer weather, an air conditioner cools indoor temperatures and helps remove humidity from your home.

❓ How hot does it get in the attic on a hip?

👉 With outside temperatures ranging between -5°F and 95°F, attic temperatures range between 48°F and 92°F. Only about 10% of the hip roof is shaded, so it gets plenty of direct sunlight. Advani hopes to finish the attic and install a minisplit, although he’s not sure that will lower the humidity.

❓ Is the attic temperature the same as the outside temperature?

👉 The results are that the attic temperature is close to the outside temperature, but the relative humidity is significantly higher in the attic than either the indoor or outdoor readings. Using the fan does not affect these readings.


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