Condensation in (conditioned space) attic, built to “environmental standards”
his415
| Posted in Project Management on
I am in need of a (seasoned) building consultant, familiar with New England climate, able to make an “on site” evaluation in Guilford, Ct. 06437, for an attic space that was built to environmental standards and is a conditioned space) — air conditioning, HRVs, etc etc., for a client that has environmental allergies — mold, fabric softener, petrochemical products etc.
There is condensation from the attic space, with leakage of water into and onto the first floor after one year. Thank you in advance. We need help.
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Replies
There is (almost) no such thing as condensation in a conditioned attic that could exhibit "...leakage of water into and onto the first floor....".
It is almost certainly a roof leak.
Running a humidifier and having open cell foam may be the problem.
There is way too much moisture in the home, and it is coming from somewhere and is not being removed via an HRV.
Herbert,
I suggest that you use the resources on the RESNET website or the BPI website to locate an experienced energy rater or home performance contractor in your area.
Step one in this investigation will be to determine the source of the moisture. It may be a plumbing leak, a roof leak, or an ice dam.
If it is actually condensation, as you suspect, that means (a) that the indoor relative humidity is very high, and (b) that there are cold surfaces in your attic that are not separated from the indoor air by an air barrier and insulation, so that interior air is coming in close proximity to these cold surfaces.