Most attics are non living spaces and are popular in most of the homes in new England and Northeast Region of the country. Some times there are roof leaks, ice dams from the roof surfaces and toward the fascia boards leaking toward the ceiling of the floor just under the attic floor joist.

Have you noticed any dark or black stains on the roof bays and trusses. Mold contamination or spores begin to grow due to the dampness and excess moisture. This may not always be from a roof leak. So how does this occur?

Heat loss can be one of the culprits. Lack of proper insulation installed in the floor joist of the attic space. The R value is to be at least 30-38 of thickness. Parts of the floor insulation is missing or removed because some careless utility contractor did not place the insulation back properly. The purpose of insulating your house is to keep the living space warm.

Air sealing can help to block heat from the living space of the home from escaping into the attic. Sometimes heat escapes through the recessed cannister lights not covered or the attic access opening is not insulated properly.

For some reason a lot of HVAC units for heating and air conditioning are installed in the attic space. Although it is popular and has been installed for years it is not the best option, especially, when the unit is installed in the attic. Loose duct vents and ducts allowing heating or cooling to escape causing excess moisture.

During the winter months cold freezing air can cause a film of frost eaves to freeze on the surface of the roof bays. When heat escapes into the attic space it begins to melt the frost causing the roof bays and beams to become moist which in turn will cause mold fungi to grow on the surfaces over a period of time. If there is a lack of proper ventilation the roof bays cannot become dry with the proper air flow venting. Attic space temperature is very similar to the outside temperature and is usually a five degree difference if the insulation and venting is installed properly. Excess relative humidity can also become a factor especially in the hot and humid months. Relative humidity is best in the range of 35% to 60 % on average for an attic space.

You may want to consider a mold and moisture assessment of your home if you notice these dark stains or smell moldy like odors. We utilize Thermal Infrared Camera optimization to determine heat loss, cooling loss, or temperature differential patterns.

Andy Provitola CMC

Environmental Resources & Services

Pembroke, Massachusetts.

781-248-9975

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