Attic Ductwork Condensation

Condensation on air ducts can be a serious problem.

Attic ductwork condensation.

Over time condensation dripping from your ductwork onto attic insulation can cause it to compress which lowers its r value. When water condenses and drips into your attic or home it can cause a some serious secondary problems. 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. Condensation will begin to drip onto your attic insulation making it less effective at regulating temperatures inside your home.

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. When ductwork is touching it forms a very cold spot where they are touching thus condensation begins. Ductwork located in an attic must be hung properly so that the insulation can do its job. 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.

As the humidity level rises outdoors condensation will gradually begin to form on the surface of your air conditioning ducts. For more information on this. Let s say your ductwork is in your attic. You can convert your vented unconditioned attic into an unvented conditioned attic.

You can install insulation on the attic side of the register boot and you can make sure that your duct is adequately. The colder the air is inside the duct the greater the chance of ductwork sweating. 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. First water dripping off of your ducts and onto your insulation can cause the insulation to compress which decreases it s r value or ability to insulate.