Keeping your attic well maintained and free of excess moisture is essential for environmental health, construction durability, and energy efficiency within your home. Key factors that contribute to the quality of an attic space include ventilation, insulation, roofing and leaks. Improper construction can lead to things like excess moisture, followed by mold and other problems. It is important to make sure your home is well-sealed to prevent leaks, and to check your gutters for ice dams, which can cause water to build up and seep inside. Moreover, be aware that improper ventilation is a leading cause of moisture problems, especially in humid climates like southeast Michigan.
Wondering if you have a moisture problem? Excess moisture does not always appear in the form of standing water or water droplets. Below are some additional signs of excess moisture:
- Warped or rotting wood
- Bubbled paint
- Warped shingles
- Wet insulation
- Mold/mildew
If you observe one or more of these signs in your attic, then it’s a good idea to check your ventilation system. While you can reduce the avenues by which moisture enters your home, it is nearly impossible to completely stop moisture from entering. Thus, it is necessary to have a means for the excess moisture to exit your home.
First, make sure your appliances and exhaust fans vent to the outdoors and not to your attic. Moist air created from cooking, bathroom use, and a range of other appliances and activities can build up in your attic. In addition to venting outside, the underside of your roof paneling should be ridged so that air can flow freely. Ridged vents and rafter vents should be installed in your attic space. These allow water to drain, and they keep insulation away from eaves where it can be subject to moisture and dirt retention.
If you’re concerned about your home having a moisture or ventilation problem, it’s best to hire a trained professional. Our trained technicians can inspect your home to identify problems and recommend the best solution for you. Contact Aladdin Heating & Cooling for HVAC service in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ventilation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Aladding Heating & Cooling services the Detroit, Michigan and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!