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Attic ventilation and mold
Hi everybody! I am new to this forum, and this is my first post, and I need some help / advise.
I live in the pacific NW and as you guys know, it's very wet here during the winter months.
Just a few weeks ago, I went into my attic to inspect it after winter. To my shock, I discovered mold growth on the plywood sheats, most of it on the north side of the roof. I will try to post a picture later. In addition to the mold, I discovered that insulation baffles have come down, and I think that this is what caused the problem (blocked soffit vents). The main effected area (mold) is around 150sq ft, it starts at the soffits and the mold is up maybe 4 -5 feet over a length of maybe 25-30 feet. It looks like the moisture source is condensation, as I see discolorations higher up only around nails. Right now, everything is as dry as can be, and there is no sign of a leak.
My remediation plan is as follows:
- install power attic vent (at the ridge) to increase ventilation. I plan on using a 1,600CFM fan. The sum of my vents adds up to 5.8 sq.ft, and the manufacturer specs 5.3 sq.ft. miminum for intake vents
- clean up the visible mold with bleach / water
- correctly re-install the insulation baffles.
Here are a few more facts:
- 1850 sq.ft. one story home, built in 2002
- a total of 123 round soffit vents, 2" diameter each = 386 sq inches
- a total of 9 square ridge vents, 50sq. inches each = 450 sq. inches
- every vent vents outside (2 bathroom vents, one in utility room, one more over range, plus the vent from the gas water heater). There are no leaks.
What do you guys think about my plan? Do you have anything to add that I should / should not do?
Thanks a lot for all replies!
Last edited by Mike Kramer : 05-13-2008 at 10:56 PM.
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