Condensation In Attic Ductwork

Ductwork located in an attic must be hung properly so that the insulation can do its job.

Condensation in attic ductwork.

Both of these are easily treatable. Condensation from the ac ducts can drip onto your home s insulating materials. There are two main ways to solve this problem. The weight and dampness can compress the insulation reducing the insulation s r value.

Over time condensation dripping from your ductwork onto attic insulation can cause it to compress which lowers its r value. Remember that condensation can cause all sorts of problems from leaks to mold infestation so take the time to address this problem as soon as you can. The air in your vented attic is hot and humid just like all outdoor air in florida. When ductwork is touching it forms a very cold spot where they are touching thus condensation begins.

As the humidity level rises outdoors condensation will gradually begin to form on the surface of your air conditioning ducts. When the hot humid attic air contacts the cold duct or the cold duct boot the moisture in the air condenses on the cold surface just like the condensation that happens on a cold can of beer. Improperly insulated ductwork and excessive moisture in the air. Vapor barrier on the attic side of the duct s insulation is compromised.

The colder the air is inside the duct the greater the chance of ductwork sweating. The 1 746 square foot house has r 19 insulation between the rafters and between r 15 and r 20 of rigid foam above the roof sheathing. Keep in mind that your insulation helps you save up to 10 on your yearly energy bills. It s a natural process and similar to the way a chilled soda begins to sweat once you take it out of the refrigerator on a hot day.

Dripping condensation may also lead to a ceiling leak which not only looks bad but also rots drywall and can cause your ceiling to collapse over time. At the end of the day there are really only two causes for condensation on ductwork. Even if the insulation layer is at the attic floor you ll probably be better off making the roof the pressure boundary of the house in which case the absolute moisture levels but not the temperature of the attic will track that of the conditioned space below which should reduce the condensation potential dramatically. Even though the air conditioning equipment appears to be operating normally humidity inside the house is between 60 and 65 and return ducts located in the attic show significant condensation.

It can also feed mold growth and cause ceiling joists to rot and sheetrock to disintegrate leading to unhealthy air quality in your home and the need for costly structural repairs. So if you see unusual water staining on any of the ceilings in your home and the roofer has eliminated roof leaks it is likely coming from some fault with the duct system in your home. The more the insulation compresses the less it can insulate your home. Let s say your ductwork is in your attic.