Should I Be Concerned About Moisture in My Attic?

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Every winter, Maine experiences weeks where the temperatures fluctuate between sunny days and bitter cold evenings. While it is nice for us Mainers to get a little respite from the frosty temperatures during the day, these temperature fluctuations may be wreaking havoc on your home. 

If you have noticed condensation, standing water, or frost accumulation in your attic at any point this year, here is what you need to know about how it might have gotten there, and the dangers of leaving this home performance issue unresolved. 

Why is there Moisture in Your Attic?

Though moisture can accumulate in your attic for a few different reasons, one of the most common causes of condensation in your attic is that your attic is under-insulated. Figuring out the exact cause of the moisture in your attic should be done with a thorough inspection.

Why is Attic Insulation Important?

When an attic is sufficiently insulated, heat won’t move as quickly between your indoor living space and the outdoors. In cooler months, insulation will prevent the heat from your living space from escaping up through the attic and out through the roof, keeping your indoor temperatures stable and reducing the amount of energy required to keep you comfortable. In the warmer months, insulation will also keep summer heat out and your conditioned air in. 

What Can Happen to Attic Insulation Over Time?

If batt or spray foam insulation is damaged, or if there wasn’t enough installed in the first place, or if warm conditioned air from your living space meets the cold temperatures and forms condensation in your attic, your insulation will lose much of its effectiveness. This can be made worse if there is also a lot of air leakage in the attic, which allows for more air (and additional moisture) to infiltrate the space. 

Is Attic Moisture Bad if Left Unchecked?

Yes, moisture is bad when left unchecked for a few reasons. Excess moisture leads to a mold problem, which can pose a threat to the structure of your home as well as your health. Plus, moisture will damage any remaining insulation in your attic, making the problem even worse in a short period of time. 

Have you noticed any of the following symptoms in your home?

  • A musty or moldy smell

  • Visible mold growth

  • Frost in your attic

  • Wet wood or standing water accumulation

These signs could indicate that there has been a moisture issue in your home for a while, and it is time to solve the problem before it gets worse.

The Next Step: Schedule a Free Consult

In order to develop a customized plan for reducing the moisture in your attic (and in your home overall), a trusted home insulation contractor like Evergreen Home Performance should perform a free energy consult.

 This comprehensive analysis uses thermal imaging & diagnostics to help see exactly where the lapses in your insulation are, how many air leaks are present throughout your entire home, and whether you would benefit from added measures like attic air sealing & ventilation. Your free consult will increase the effectiveness of your home improvement project and will make you and your family more comfortable!

Get the water, mold, and moisture out of your attic for good when you Evergreen your home! Call Evergreen today to schedule your energy audit. 207-594-2244 or get in touch here.

Seeing frost in your attic?

Keep it out for the sake of your health and comfort!

We had a fantastic experience working with Evergreen to insulate our roof this winter. Everyone was extremely friendly throughout the process - the crew at our home worked hard, were approachable with questions, and the team leader even showed me around the project to point out specific areas they were working to improve.

Joel Wentz

From start to finish, our experience was incredible. Justin was extremely helpful. The crew was fast, friendly, and efficient. And most importantly, our home is WAY warmer and our heating is less costly. I'd highly recommend evergreen to anyone looking to upgrade their home!

John S.

South Portland

I have always been impressed by the high level of service, quality of work, and excellent follow-through provided by Evergreen Home Performance in the three projects that they completed at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm over the past several years.

Paul D.

Wells

Evergreen has just completed Phase 2 of 2 at my home. They are professional, hard-working and courteous. They communicate well..no surprises. They've gone above and beyond to make my home comfortable and were very respectful of my home.I recommend them unequivocally!!!Many thanks to Brian, Brian, Rick, Eddie, Dawson and the rest of the Evergreen crew!!

David Henry Feldman

The Evergreen Team did a fabulous job and was very tuned and responsive to the particular needs we had. The job was done right on budget and we are thrilled with the improved warmth and energy efficiency.

Ira M.

Rockland

Working with Brian and with Nate and the rest of the crew was a pleasure. They made everything very easy and understandable. This was a major renovation and they were always at the ready with a lot of information. We had an extensive renovation on the basement which was a dirt basement and it came out beautifully. We can already tell from all of the insulation work what a difference it's made in sound and temperature. Brian worked with me on the rebates that are available when you do this kind of work. I would highly recommend this company to…

Valerie L.

Rockland

Evergreen was so helpful in securing us Efficiency Maine funding for a big attic insulation project early this winter. They did all of the paperwork, and totally guided us through a vermiculite removal process that included a payment from a trust for the procedure. I could instantly feel the second floor being so much warmer than before. The boiler does not kick on nearly as frequently since they completed the job. It was worth every penny! Brian Robinson was so thorough throughout the whole process including a full walk through after the job had been completed.

Todd W.

Camden

We are so pleased with the work the team from Evergreen Home Performance did in our home. The project included encapsulation of our basement with a reinforced vapor barrier, installation of a sump pump, spray foam insulation on the walls and insulation of the heating duct work. Everyone at Evergreen was friendly and professional. The project was completed on time and in budget. Our home is much cozier and warmer since the project was completed.

Linda Metzger

Evergreen is the "go-to" company for improving the efficiency of your home. There are others to choose from but none so effective, honest, and capable as Evergreen. They did a great quantity of dense packing cellulose to improve our home (both for energy efficiency and for sound insulation) and it was totally successful. They are on-time, helpful, and caring. They clean up to a level that can't be over emphasized. This was the second time we employed them and we'd use them again if the opportunity came. You'll not be sorry to select Evergreen.

Dirk F.

Belfast

I was very impressed by the professionalism of this company and the workers. Brian R. was very prompt in replying to my questions; the crew was meticulous in all parts of the work and attentive to the safety aspects concerning Covid; and Brian was extremely thorough in the final inspection. My attic is now snug and warm and I've noticed that the second floor is warmer as well.

Julia S.

Rockland

Several years ago Brian Robinson evaluated the crawl space at my summer home on Islesboro where I knew moisture was becoming a problem. I had done quite a bit of work in the space many years prior with mixed results. When Brian offered some suggestions, they were ideas that incorporated work previously done, and would be a relatively low cost effort to improve the situation. He offered this advice over several phone conversations of some length, informally, and at no charge.

Cliff R.

Islesboro

Evergreen came out 2 years ago to do an assessment and insulate our roof. This year we had them come back and do the basement as well. They are hands-down the best crew we've ever hired to work on our house. They are experts at what they do, and super meticulous in their work. After working in our house for a week with blown insulation, there was no trace they were ever here. We've seen a huge decrease in our energy bills while at the same time the house has become way more comfortable. Can't recommend them enough.

RC Lations II

Portland

Great company. Very professional and thorough. They take the time to explain everything and offer options to fit your budget. Wonderful experience from start to finish.

Bonnie Eustace

I was extremely pleased with the professionalism and quality of service that I received from the Evergreen team. I met Richard to discuss options for insulation. I knew immediately that I wanted to do business with them because he did not try to over-sell extra services that I did not need. Dave was the project manager. He was not only kind, but very respectful of my home. I would highly recommend this company.

Darlyann M

Bath

Professional, friendly and hard-working staff. The product/approach they use for insulation is top notch. We felt the difference immediately, both from added warmth and eliminating drafts. The team and management were easily available to answer our questions or coordinate meeting times. Highly recommended.

Kevin J.

Yarmouth

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