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muddybrook · Aug 22, 2011, 07:10 PM

I have a moisture problem. Partial cathedral running 3/4 up, connects with the attic. Well insulated with prop r vent, ridge vent soffit and added a gable vent.
High heat & moisture creates water drippings down the wall and moisture apears on insullation. Humidity is very high. I have never had this problem before and am ready to install a gable vent. Moisture on the ceiling in the summer and I have no airconditioning an attic. I do believe I have a drainage problem which is letting some water into the crawl space. I am re=grading part of the property

ballengerb1 · Aug 22, 2011, 07:53 PM

I'd caution your about mixing some many different types of vents. A soffit vent allows air to enter and then exit via the ridge vent. Add a gable and that pathway is all mixed up and air will not draft like it should. You need air circulation and dehumidification fixtures. Do you see standing water in your crawl now? Get yourself a hygrometer and test the humidity level on several days. Just want to rule out roof leaks too.

SpringtimeHomes · Aug 23, 2011, 09:12 AM

I agree with Ballenger. Sounds more like a winter condition than summer. You don't specify the room but it must be the bathroom. If not, you have too much humidity in your house and why would the walls/ceiling be the coldest surface(condensing surface)? "Moisture appears on insulation" need more explanation.

Sounds more like an interior humidity problem than roof venting. The grading might help but be sure your bath fans are well vented and that you are venting your stove to the outside. Switch to induction from gas if possible. Seal your crawlspace if you have one and add a de-humidifier. Run your AC more to help. Seal your attic at the ceiling plane.

Continuous soffit vent as close to the gutter as possible and continuous ridge vent is the best way to vent. Those little soffit vent "holes" do not provide enough ventilation if that's what you have.

ma0641 · Aug 23, 2011, 12:36 PM

I just worked with a client who had a similar problem. Water dripping from supply vents, single air return in the hall, hot humid air pulled into the hall and started to condense on the walls near the ceiling. We installed a dehumidifier in a room directly adjacent to the hall, took out 2+ gallons a day and now the walls are dry. Most likely you have an internal humidity problem, try a dehumidifier.

muddybrook · Aug 23, 2011, 01:35 PM

Yes, I buy the humidity theory. This is a cabin in the mountain on a bad slope where I am re-grading to keep the water out of the crawl space. I have no AC, this heavy condensation comes with windows open or closed. Thanks for the advice, I will you know if thr re=grade works

ballengerb1 · Aug 23, 2011, 01:48 PM

From post #3 Do you see standing water in your crawl now? Get yourself a hygrometer and test the humidity level on several days. Just want to rule out roof leaks too.
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muddybrook · Aug 23, 2011, 02:37 PM

Yes to some water in crawl space, roof is less than a year

ballengerb1 · Aug 23, 2011, 04:56 PM

Ok then you already know that grading is going to be in your future. Grading is great, perimeter drain tiles and sump even better. Ventilate the heck out of that crawl too.

ballengerb1 · Aug 23, 2011, 06:43 PM

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