Roof sheathing moisture-Don't just add vents

[KEVIN WOOD]

He was guessing from a picture. Are you surprised?

I have examined this pattern, the article and the picture before jumping to conclusions.
I do not agree with James about the author's info. What I was most disturbed about was the Picture and the lack of ventilation as he says was there on the inspection.
I am also disturbed at the lack of proper pattern for infiltration into the attic and location of the mold.
The rafters give the biggest clue of all!

[Michael Larson]

The writer of the article clearly states

I recommended that the homeowners confirm the air-leakage diagnosis with some performance testing and likely air-sealing resolution.

Do you disagree with his prescription?

The original HI screwed up by suggesting the need for additional ventilation not the writer of the article who was working with pictures only.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by jbraun

air sealing

What does the amount of insulation have to do with "air sealing"?

[James E. Braun, CMI]

It is just a part. The more insulation, the less leakage can occur.

[Peter C. Russell]

Originally Posted by jbraun

It is just a part. The more insulation, the less leakage can occur.

WOW, are you kidding me????

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Originally Posted by mlarson

The writer of the article clearly statesDo you disagree with his prescription?

The original HI screwed up by suggesting the need for additional ventilation not the writer of the article who was working with pictures only.

It has no open soffit vents in the picture. It needs better venting.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by jbraun

it is just a part. The more insulation, the less leakage can occur.

LOL.

[Robert Ernst]

The guys diagnosis of the photo was confirmed by an on site inspection and diagnostic testing. The person that did the testing was BPI Certified and used equipment to do the testing. So why not accept the science behind it and use it to further yourself in this field. You will serve your clients better and not make the mistake the inspector did in this instance. We are generalist and are to refer to the professionals. I agree not all professionals know what they are talking about but this time I think the guy in right on.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by rernst1

The guys diagnosis of the photo was confirmed by an on site inspection and diagnostic testing. The person that did the testing was BPI Certified and used equipment to do the testing. So why not accept the science behind it and use it to further yourself in this field. You will serve your clients better and not make the mistake the inspector did in this instance. We are generalist and are to refer to the professionals. I agree not all professionals know what they are talking about but this time I think the guy in right on.

At least one of those who are opposing the information presented in the article also think that adding more insulation will address air leakage issues. I think that says it all, don't you?

[Peter C. Russell]

Originally Posted by jbushart

At least one of those who are opposing the information presented in the article also think that adding more insulation will address air leakage issues. I think that says it all, don't you?

Yes, both seem to have a total misunderstanding of air movement, ventilation and insulation.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by prussell

Yes, both seem to have a total misunderstanding of air movement, ventilation and insulation.

And they are CMIs

Go figure

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Originally Posted by prussell

WOW, are you kidding me????

http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-...px?ac=ts&ra=fp

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by prussell

Yes, both seem to have a total misunderstanding of air movement, ventilation and insulation.

I agree.

The first mistake that the home inspector made was to recommend a remedy at all. He should stick to the SOP and point out the material defect and recommend that someone with the proper skills address the issue.

He would have then provided a valuable service and would not be called out in error as he was in this article.

Otherwise, filtering/cleaning the air as it leaks from a building with "more insulation" is the kind of advice a home owner can expect.

[Peter C. Russell]

James Braun, I can tell you from experience that all the cellulose insulation in the world will not seal the attic.

[KEVIN WOOD]

James is not pointing out that adding more insulation will solve the problem. Tests have shown that you can add as much insulation as you want and air will go through with no vapor barrier. It will slow down to some degree. I have even seen tests between different types of insulation without vapor control but that is a whole new topic.