Attic Rain - Condensation & Insulation

In Calgary, Airdrie and Chestermere.


Air leakage through ceilings, walls, foundations, and other areas often leads to significant heating and cooling losses in homes and workplaces throughout Calgary. However, methods are available to identify and mitigate these losses, resulting in valuable energy savings. Furthermore, numerous energy rebate programs necessitate demonstrating the enhanced efficiency of your building to qualify for benefits.
Attic Rain calgary Dedicated roofing and exteriors Common Attic Air Leaks
Dedicated Roofing & Exteriors - Professional Roofing Calgary Roof Repair Roof Replacement Roof Inspection

Attic Rain in Calgary

If you encounter terms such as "Attic Rain," "Frost in the Attic," "Wet Insulation," or notice yellow or pink stains on the ceiling and leaking around light fixtures, you are likely dealing with Attic Rain. This issue is attributed to several factors, with the primary cause being inadequate insulation and ventilation, as well as excessive humidity within your home. Sources of humidity include the use of a furnace humidifier, taking showers, cooking, and operating portable humidifiers, which can all contribute to accelerated condensation in the attic. This condensation may then freeze, leading to frost, and eventually result in Attic Rain.

Facts about Attic Rain in Calgary:

  • Recommended Attic R-Value by Climate:
    • Warm Climates: Minimum of R-30 to R-49
    • Moderate Climates: R-38 to R-60
    • Cold Climates: R-49 to R-60
  • Calculating Required Insulation:
    • Divide the recommended R-value for your area by the R-value of your specific insulation type to determine attic insulation needs.
    • Click here for our R-calculator 
  • Fiberglass (blown): 14” – 18”
  • Fiberglass (batts): 11” – 14”
  • Cellulose (blown): 11” – 13”
  • Rock Wool (loose): 12” – 18”
  • Foam (sprayed): 5” – 1
    CONTACT US

    Ventilation and Attic Rain:

    • Poor ventilation can cause attic rain.
    • Condensation and attic rain are often due to inadequate air circulation, highlighting the importance of proper ventilation for home health.
    Roofing 101 venting the attic space Attic Rain calgary Dedicated roofing and exteriors
    Winter roofing conditions Dedicated Roofing Calgary
    Attic Rain Calgary Dedicated roofing and exteriors Winter months

    Attic Rain in Calgary

    Attic rain, or condensation, frequently occurs with changes in weather, stemming primarily from heat escaping from inside your home into the attic. This heat transforms into moisture, which then freezes on the roof decking. As external temperatures rise, this ice melts, trickling down into the insulation and potentially finding its way to light fixtures, bath fans, and other areas. This process of heat loss is typically concentrated at specific points within the home. These include:
    • Pipes going through vent stacks
    • Flues and chimneys
    • Electrical wiring/light fixtures
    • Heating and air conditioning ducts
    • Access hatches
    • Exterior wall top plates 
    • Air return grills
    • Smoke detectors wiring
    • Bathroom fans
    • And others!
    Get a Quote

    Dedicated Roofing's

    Attic Rain Process

    • Inspection, reporting, and comprehensive explanation.
    • Attic insulation upgrade to R60-R80: Offer insulation top-up if the existing insulation is not compromised.
    • Intake air upgrade: Installation of upgraded baffles for enhanced air intake, preventing blockage of soffits by blown-in insulation.
    • Vapor barrier repair: Complete repair and resealing of openings to minimize heat loss.
    • Installation of new, high-quality loose-fill blown-in insulation in specific areas.
    • Removal of old or damaged insulation.
    • Insulation enhancement and top-up.

    Insulation in your home acts as a barrier against heat flow, reducing heating and cooling expenses. By properly insulating your home, you not only cut down on energy costs but also enhance overall comfort.

    The Baffle Difference with Dedicated Roofing

    The Raft-R-mate® attic vent, made from extruded polystyrene foam, ensures continuous airflow from the soffit to the ridge vent.

    It prevents both batt and blown insulation from obstructing eave or soffit vents and from filling the mandatory airspace needed for roof ventilation.

    Now featuring a hinge design, the Raft-R-mate® Vent can be attached to both the exterior wall top plate and roof deck. This design prevents insulation from blocking the soffits, allowing for optimal R-value at the eaves.

    Remove Old Insulation

    Several factors justify the removal of old or damaged insulation. Compromised insulation can lead to moisture problems and a significant reduction in its effectiveness. Our team can assess whether removal and re-insulation are suitable for your specific needs. Our insulation options are superior for your home, healthier for your family, and outperform older insulation materials in efficiency. Additionally, our insulation is crafted from recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

    • Reduced energy efficiency
    • Potential for poor indoor air quality
    • Increased fire hazard risk
    • Attracts pests
    • Prone to moisture problems
    Attic Rain Calgary Dedicated roofing and exteriors
    Attic Rain Calgary Dedicated roofing and exteriors

    Insulation Removal Equipment

    Dedicated Roofing employs an industrial-grade vacuum to extract loose-fill insulation, such as blown-in fiberglass and cellulose. This vacuum is mounted on our truck, which is parked outside your home. A 6-inch diameter, 200-foot long industrial hose is then extended into your attic to remove the insulation. The extracted materials are collected into large waste bags, which we responsibly dispose of at a local landfill. All our machinery is sourced from Canadian suppliers. Below are key reasons to consider removing your old and deteriorated insulation materials.

    • Reduced Energy Efficiency: Over time, deteriorated insulation loses its ability to effectively regulate indoor temperatures, resulting in higher energy use and increased utility costs.
    • Compromised Indoor Air Quality: Aged insulation can accumulate dust, dirt, and allergens, contaminating the air inside the building and possibly leading to health concerns.
    • Increased Fire Risk: Insulation that is in poor condition or damaged may not adequately protect against fire spread, presenting a significant safety hazard.
    • Pest Infestations: Deteriorated insulation can become a haven for rodents, insects, and birds, leading to potential damage and health risks from nests and droppings.
    • Moisture-Related Issues: Wet or damp insulation can foster mold and mildew growth, causing structural damage, health risks, and musty odours. Removing such insulation helps prevent further moisture problems and enhances air quality.

    Health & Safety

    Several factors justify the removal of old or damaged insulation. Compromised insulation can lead to moisture problems and a significant reduction in its effectiveness. Our team can assess whether removal and re-insulation are suitable for your specific needs. Our insulation options are superior for your home, healthier for your family, and outperform older insulation materials in efficiency. Additionally, our insulation is crafted from recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

    Potential Issues of Bad Insulation: 

    • Reduced energy efficiency
    • Potential for poor indoor air quality
    • Increased fire hazard risk
    • Attracts pests
    • Prone to moisture problems

    Mold

    Inadequate air circulation can lead to moisture issues, impacting the health of occupants and the longevity of the building. Areas lacking sufficient ventilation, such as bathrooms, closets, and laundry rooms, are particularly vulnerable to mold development. Moisture can also arise from leaky roofs, indoor firewood storage, and insufficient dryer venting. The most effective method to prevent mold growth involves reducing indoor moisture sources and enhancing airflow with fans or other ventilation systems. Exposure to mold may cause health problems, including allergic reactions, asthma, and various respiratory conditions.

    Enhances Safety and Efficiency with Dedicated Roofing

    Our Calgary-based roofing team of experts is here to guide you through making these critical improvements safely and efficiently. Post-upgrade, we ensure there are no lingering health or safety concerns. A key focus is on Air Flow and Ventilation: sealing air leaks and enhancing insulation significantly aids in energy conservation and mitigates condensation issues. However, maintaining adequate air circulation in your attic is essential for preserving a healthy indoor climate and effectively removing excess moisture. Often, this involves installing built-in exhaust vents or other mechanical ventilation systems to ensure proper airflow, which is vital for a safe and comfortable home environment.

    CONTACT US

    Dedicated Roofing's

    Our Insulation is:

    • Child-Safe: Our insulation is free from harmful chemicals, providing a safer environment for children who are more vulnerable to the toxins found in many conventional insulation materials.
    • Pet-Safe: Our insulation is also safe for pets, protecting our furry family members from respiratory issues and allergies associated with harmful chemicals in other insulation types.
    • Chemical/Dye-Free: We ensure our insulation is devoid of dangerous chemicals, dyes, and irritants that can cause asthma, lung damage, and skin or eye irritation, which are common in many insulation materials.
    • Odorless: Our insulation is completely free from any odors. Unlike some insulation materials that emit a "fishy" smell, ours maintains a neutral scent.
    • Eco-Friendly: Dedicated to sustainability, our insulation is made from 100% post-consumer recycled content and is fully recyclable, minimizing environmental impact.
    • Noncombustible: Our insulation stands out as it is noncombustible, meaning it won't catch fire. In extreme heat, it will simply melt instead of burning, offering enhanced safety.
    • Lifetime Warranty: Dedicated Roofing stands behind our high-quality insulation, which is crafted from a unique blend of fibers for optimal density and thermal performance. ProThermic insulation conforms to nearly any shape, enhancing comfort, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and providing a quieter, more peaceful home environment.

    With these features, our insulation not only protects your home but also contributes to a healthier, safer, and more sustainable living space.

    Benefits of Eco-Friendly Home Insulation with Dedicated Roofing

    Calgary homeowners are prioritizing the environmental footprint of the materials used in their homes, with a heightened focus on selecting products that are not only energy-efficient but also responsibly sourced, waste-minimizing, and pollution-reducing. The selection of home insulation is central to these considerations, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious living.
    Environment health and safety Attic Rain Calgary Dedicated roofing and exteriorsEco Friendly Attic Rain Calgary Dedicated roofing and exteriors

    Energy Conservation

    Proper installation of insulation materials significantly enhances energy efficiency by reducing the heating and cooling demands of your home, thus conserving finite fuel resources. For example, fiberglass insulation, rock wool, and slag wool, when installed to building code specifications in single-family homes, can save over 100 times the energy used to produce them within two decades.

    Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

    Insulation decreases the necessity for heating and cooling with natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and electricity, leading to lower emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide, and nitrogen oxide. To put it in perspective, insulating 4 million homes (merely 4% of all North American homes) can offset carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to planting 667 million acres of trees, which is tenfold the size of Colorado.

    Incorporation of Recycled Materials:

    The use of recycled content in insulation manufacturing helps conserve natural resources. For instance:

    • Fiberglass insulation includes 40-60% recycled content based on the manufacturer and production site.
    • Mineral wool insulation varies, with rock wool featuring roughly 10-15% recycled blast furnace slag and slag wool boasting 70-75% recycled content.
    •  Cellulose insulation is notable for its high recycled content, often exceeding 80%.
    •  Spray foam insulation, being a chemical product, contains minimal recycled content.

    Loose-Fill and Blown-In Insulation Solutions

    Loose-fill insulation is made up of small particles from materials like fiber, foam, or others, offering the flexibility to fit any space without disrupting existing structures or finishes. Its adaptability makes it ideal for retrofits and challenging installation areas.

    Commonly used materials for loose-fill insulation are cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral wool, all utilizing recycled content. Cellulose is largely derived from recycled newsprint, while fiberglass incorporates 40% to 60% recycled glass, and mineral wool is produced with about 75% post-industrial recycled material.

    Alternative materials for loose-fill insulation, such as polystyrene beads and perlite, are less common but also effective. This type of insulation is suitable for both enclosed areas like walls and open spaces such as attics. Cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral wool are typically blown into place by professional installers to ensure proper density and R-values are achieved, whereas materials like polystyrene beads, vermiculite, and perlite are usually poured in.

    Upgrade Your Home with New, High-Efficiency Blown-In Insulation

    Dedicated Roofing Delivers Premier Insulation Solutions for Every Project. We prioritize top-tier, eco-friendly insulation that not only conserves energy but also saves you money. Experience the peace of mind that comes with selecting the finest insulation, installed by our skilled team. After upgrading your attic with our superior, recycled insulation, you'll immediately feel the difference in comfort and efficiency.

    With the Dedicated Roofing team on-site, rest assured there will be no hassle or mess. Our Calgary roofing experts visit homes daily, equipped to safeguard your space, ensuring it's as if we were never there. We protect your floors with poly nylon tarps and guarantee a thorough cleanup after the job is done.

    Honest and Precise Roofing Estimates

    Get Your Free Estimate Today