The attic of our new build is accessed by a pull-down ladder. There are no windows there – neither in the gable nor any roof windows.
During the building drying phase (after plastering and after the screed), the hatch to the attic was completely closed. This was explained to us as a way to prevent mold growth. Since then, the pull-down ladder has been installed, and the attic has been lined with drywall panels. Now we notice a musty smell there, and mold spots are forming on the panels.
What can be done at this point? I have also asked the carpenter for advice at the same time.
During the building drying phase (after plastering and after the screed), the hatch to the attic was completely closed. This was explained to us as a way to prevent mold growth. Since then, the pull-down ladder has been installed, and the attic has been lined with drywall panels. Now we notice a musty smell there, and mold spots are forming on the panels.
What can be done at this point? I have also asked the carpenter for advice at the same time.
T
T_im_Norden19 May 2021 10:24It can still be a cold roof.
The term cold roof refers to the ventilation behind the roof, not the insulation. So, if the attic is not thermally separated from the rest of the house with a vapor barrier—which is suggested by the uninsulated stairway—moisture will move upward.
In that case, mold and the musty odor are likely due to the lack of heating and ventilation.
The term cold roof refers to the ventilation behind the roof, not the insulation. So, if the attic is not thermally separated from the rest of the house with a vapor barrier—which is suggested by the uninsulated stairway—moisture will move upward.
In that case, mold and the musty odor are likely due to the lack of heating and ventilation.
H
Hausbauer202126 May 2021 07:49Good morning, we are currently in the planning phase as well, and I also have concerns about potential mold growth in the attic. Do you have any general tips to keep in mind? Or advice on aspects to consider during the planning stage? We will have a gable roof with a truss structure, which will serve as a replacement for a basement. We also want to store items there, such as winter clothing or similar. The general contractor will hand over the attic unfinished. We planned to install tongue-and-groove boards and possibly also insulate and cover it with drywall. However, after reading the discussions here, I’m no longer sure if this is the right approach. Thank you very much.
The trusses are available in a standard version, which means many supports crisscrossing everywhere—a bit like an obstacle course with suitcases and decorations. Or as storage trusses, with a passageway in the middle. Or as studio trusses, which create a large open space up top. Ask your general contractor what the additional costs are.
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Osnabruecker26 May 2021 08:36Hausbauer2021 schrieb:
However, after reading this, I’m no longer sure if it’s correct. “It depends…”
Where is the insulation layer? In the roof or on the ceiling?
Storing sensitive items outside the insulated area doesn’t make much sense.
Inside an insulated attic space, the situation is better. For safety, we also had two small windows installed to allow for ventilation.
Mold develops due to incorrect temperatures combined with humidity.
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Hausbauer202126 May 2021 09:17Osnabruecker schrieb:
"It depends..."
Where is the insulation layer? In the roof or on the ceiling?
Storing sensitive items outside the insulation doesn’t make much sense.
In an insulated attic, the situation is better. For safety, we also had two small windows installed to allow for ventilation.
Mold forms due to incorrect temperatures + moisture.Yes, we are also considering simply including two windows for ventilation. However, wouldn’t you need to go up there daily to air it out? I assume the insulation layer will be on the ceiling to the attic. So it seems most logical for storing sensitive items to insulate the attic and ensure sufficient ventilation—possibly through a decentralized ventilation system?Hausbauer2021 schrieb:
Yes, we are also considering simply planning for two windows for ventilation. But wouldn’t you have to go up there daily to air out the space? I assume the insulation layer will be on the ceiling of the attic. So, I think the most sensible thing for storing sensitive items is to insulate the attic and ensure sufficient ventilation—possibly through a decentralized ventilation system? Ventilation and heating. Ventilation alone is not enough.
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