Common Attic Insulation Problems
Proper attic insulation is very important during our cold Minnesota winters. Hear from our COO, Andy Lindus as he addresses common issues we’ve seen with attic insulation.
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Spray Foam Insulation Problems
While properly installed insulation can be a game-changer in a home, so too can poorly installed insulation. Earlier this week, a homeowner reached out to us because they were noticing water infiltration in their home and thought their metal roof might be leaking. When our team went out to their property to investigate, they were stunned by what they saw.
The spray foam insulation in the attic was applied directly to the roof deck because it was a non-vented area. The problem arose because the application of the spray foam was uneven. In some areas it was as thick as three inches and other areas it was less than an inch. There were spots where the spray foam was cracking and falling off the roof deck.
The most likely reason this happened? An inexperienced or negligent contractor installed the spray foam insulation at too cold of a temperature. While it can be an inconvenience to have a home improvement project pushed off due to weather conditions, the long-term failure to install products in compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications can have catastrophic effects.
A text message came from a homeowner that was noticing frost on their roof deck and they were curious to learn if all of the preexisting insulation needed be removed or if it could be salvaged since it had not yet gotten wet.
Andy assured them it was unlikely the current insulation needed to be replaced. However, the situation wouldn’t be remedied simply by adding new insulation because the root of the problem was an air infiltration issue. Remedying the situation requires the utilization of attic air sealing.
The reason frost is materializing is because warm air is escaping from the home and coming in contact with the cold roof deck, and forming condensation. When this happens, frost forms. Once temperatures increase, the frost thaws, causing moisture in the attic.
Contact us today to learn how Lindus Construction can help you with your attic insulation issues.
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement questions answered by calling or texting 651.461.9226.
