Though attics are typically hot and dry a leaky roof or pipe condensation or severe weather can cause water to enter your attic.
My attic insulation is wet.
Look for water stains on the roof sheathing or damp or moldy spots on attic joists and existing insulation as a clue to where leaks might be.
Issues such as blocked vents a leaking roof or even basement flooding can cause attic insulation to get wet.
If insulation becomes moist or damp its rendered useless.
It creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew and ruins the air trapping pockets that block heat flow.
If the fiberglass within your wall cavity or in your attic becomes wet from a leaky roof or burst pipe it will lose insulating effectiveness until the material dries out over time.
A roof timbers within an attic can become damp from two sources.
Carefully watch your insulation for the next couple of weeks.
My cellulose insulation is wet.
Trapped moisture encourages corrosion of roofing fasteners and rusting of steel studs and wall ties which reduce wind uplift ratings.
It is important to stop air leaks because a heated house is much like a chimney.
The best way to fix a wet attic is to stop air movement or leaks from the house.
It will need to be replaced immediately as it will lose its effectiveness to keep your home comfortable.
A moist attic means moist insulation and moist insulation is less effective.
You ll need to replace it all.
The best solution for controlling moisture is at its source.
If it starts to have a funny smell it s a sign that the water that contaminated the insulation was dirty.
Water is insulation s enemy.
These can include installation of seamless gutters and downspouts.
If the problem is the result of water or moisture penetrating the foundation or floor slab there are many remedial actions which may help.
Wet insulation means trapped moisture that will slowly degrade the entire roofing system from the decking to the building itself.
Once this is done the existing ventilation is usually more than enough to keep the attic dry.
Moisture trapped inside of insulation is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
Be sure to take the necessary steps to prevent water damage to your home.
Box out light fixtures.
When your cellulose insulation gets wet you need to sit up and pay attention.
Small black and or greenish colored dots on insulation boxes or other materials is a sign of an exceedingly high moisture content in the air.
