Attic Insulation Case Studies: Mold Remediation & keep upstairs more comfortable all year in Pinckney, MI
Challenge
The homeowner had noticed dark staining on his roof deck sheathing inside of the attic and his insulation was not properly installed on the attic floor. The homeowner also mentioned that his HVAC would come on after just shutting off, implying that his home was not holding a constant temperature for very long. Mold growth was found on the roof deck sheathing and trusses, also the HVAC system would turn on more than it should. The problem was caused by Fiberglass Batt insulation blocking the soffits and not allowing proper ventilation. The soffits also did not contain baffling. The attic floor has not been air sealed and the insulation was not placed properly on the attic floor allowing warm air to enter the attic space. The attic floor also contains 13 can lights that were not covered, causing more penetrations in the attic floor to leak conditioned air into the attic. The homeowner chose to have the problems fixed because we were very thorough with explaining the problems that existed with the attic and he could see why his problems with the mold in the attic along with not being properly insulated would not go away without fixing the problem properly. The homeowners biggest concern with the problem was that he was spending money to heat and/or cool the home and his money was being spent just to go up into the attic. He was also concerned that the mold growth would get worse and cause health problems for his wife and himself and would also cause problems with the structural integrity of his roof.
Solution
The homeowner chose our company because we were able to put forth a plan that the homeowner was able to agree with as well, which would be a solution to fixing the mold growth in his attic and making his home more comfortable with having his attic floor air sealed and insulated properly for Michigan zone weather. Our solution was to remove the current Fiberglass Batt insulation that was on the attic floor, remediate the mold that was in the attic, install 13 can light covers and air seal them. Install baffles into the eaves to allow proper ventilation from the soffits once the insulation was blown in. Air seal all the accessible penetrations in the attic floor. We also air sealed and insulate the scuttle cover and install R-60 insulation on the attic floor. Inside the attic there was a cathedral ceiling that possessed a certain amount of difficulty to access as the truss supports were close together.
