Expert: Dave Johnson - 1/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a customer in oct of 08 after having a roof leak had the back half of the roof stripped and shingled using arcs, from 12/19/08 to present it rains in there house. an hvac tech has been out states everything ok. The house has forced hot air. measures 28' X 28' cape. the homeowner has tried fans de humidifiers and still every day various times it rains in the house. I found some of the insulation in the attic R30 over old insulation to feel damp although the drywall paper moisture test shows dry. attic moisture content was 34% and the moisture shows up on both levels of the house and in every room. there is icing on interior of roof decking. it also has 2 gable vents 18x24

ANSWER: Hi Dave,       (you may see this answer 2 times, i'm having computer problems)

Is there any moisture in the cellar? i.e. green wood storage?
Are the eaves vented?

There is definitely a moisture problem, otherwise there would be no frosting on the roof sheathing.
Dehumidifiers aren't always able to handle all the moisture.
I'm surprised the drywall test was good...
There could still be wetness in the building materials since the home wasn't finished til fall and may not have had a chance to thoroughly dry.
Let me know about the above questions and any other info...

Dave J


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: David Thank you for the quick response. The house was built late 1940's this owner has been in the house for 11 years. the family takes 1 to 2 showers per day the basement is stone foundation NON LEAKING. the moisture rains in every room of the house bathrooms do not have proper venting. my thought is remove all insulation in attic remove any damp ceilings reinsulate attic using R38 KF install ridge vent and bathroom vents. The soffits currently are non vented

Answer
Hi Again,
I would do as you said, but would make an effort to vent the eaves. and, I personally feel blown-in cellulose is a better insulator.
If the basement is stone, there is some chance of dampness there... but raining? wow thats a lot of water!
Have you been able to check the walls as well?
Tell me, exactly what do you mean by "raining"? puddles? how much water?
It doesn't take a lot to make the roof sheathing frost, but the exessive water in the rest of the house has me baffled...
Dave