How Insulation and Ventilation Prevent Mold

How can you prevent mold from forming in your attic? By making sure your attic is well-ventilated and -insulated. Remember: ventilation and insulation always go hand in hand. Bone Dry Roofing, your trusted roof and gutter replacement contractor, elaborates further below:

How Ventilation and Insulation Help Prevent Mold Formation

Mold thrives in humid environments created by poorly ventilated spaces. To prevent humid air from getting trapped and condensing in your attic, your roof should have enough air vents. How much ventilation does your attic need? As a general rule, in an attic with a vapor barrier, there should be a square foot of ventilation for every 300 square feet of ceiling space. And if your attic doesn’t have a vapor barrier, there needs to be a square foot of ventilation or every 150 square feet.

In addition to making sure your attic is well-ventilated, you need to make sure it has enough insulation. Insulation helps prevent mold formation by preventing air from reaching dew point temperatures and condensing and keeping your attic dry.

Why Adequate Ventilation and Insulation Always Go Hand in Hand

If humid air can’t exit your attic, it condenses into moisture. If insulation comes into contact with condensation, its R-value or insulative capability decreases.

How Much Insulation Does Your Attic Need?

Ceilings and attic should have insulation with an R-value of 49. Keep in mind that the insulation requirements depending on your area. Not to mention certain types of insulation are more suited to your local climate. That’s why before installing new insulation, it’s best to consult one of your local residential and commercial roofing contractors. Since they’re familiar with the local climate and building codes, they can make better recommendations.

Looking for experienced roofers near you?

Bone Dry Roofing, a company with 15 years of experience, offers a wide range of professional exterior services, including roof and brick repair services. To get a free quote, call us at (636) 489-1830 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in St Louis as well as the surrounding MO communities.