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Sealed (Conditioned) Attic Space - Pros/Cons
Posted on 8/11/23 at 10:07 pm
Posted on 8/11/23 at 10:07 pm
I realize the extended heat right now is a rarity and won't be this bad every year but my AC running constantly has made me wonder something.
Obviously the units are in the attic because the majority of houses in the south do not have a basement. So it's either in a closet or in the attic (and ductwork is almost always in the attic). So the air handler/furnace is in the hottest part of the entire structure and likely only running about 60-70% efficient due to being surrounded by insanely hot air.
I've watched some videos on conditioned attics with closed or open cell foam but none of them have talked about being in the coastal south where humidity is high the majority of the time. I feel like sealing your attic in this humidity is bound to leave you with mold somewhere. I know the codes also get more stringent on having gas in your attic when the space is sealed.
So, has anyone here sealed your attic and what are the pros/cons?
Obviously the units are in the attic because the majority of houses in the south do not have a basement. So it's either in a closet or in the attic (and ductwork is almost always in the attic). So the air handler/furnace is in the hottest part of the entire structure and likely only running about 60-70% efficient due to being surrounded by insanely hot air.
I've watched some videos on conditioned attics with closed or open cell foam but none of them have talked about being in the coastal south where humidity is high the majority of the time. I feel like sealing your attic in this humidity is bound to leave you with mold somewhere. I know the codes also get more stringent on having gas in your attic when the space is sealed.
So, has anyone here sealed your attic and what are the pros/cons?
This post was edited on 8/11/23 at 10:08 pm
Posted on 8/11/23 at 10:21 pm to bapple
I love ours. Had it since 2019 and have had zero issues. No sign of mold and my house stays much cooler than our old house which was smaller with no foam insulation.
Posted on 8/12/23 at 5:08 am to bapple
It’s seems to be the best option for our climate zone as long as it is done right. I’ve researched it quite a bit because I’m about to start a new build and will be doing a conditioned attic. Some builders will not do it because they had to warranty homes that were done wrong when spray foam was first coming around. Here is what I’ve found: home needs to be very tight (air sealing), need to bring fresh air in from either an ERV or ventilated dehumidifier, need to add dehumidified supply air to attic someway. I plan on using an ultra-aire style dehumidifier with a fresh air intake and having a 2” supply hole to provide the attic with fresh dehumidified air (in addition to most of the dehumidifier supply air being plumbed in hvac supply trunk line). If you don’t account for that then ridge rot can be a problem. I’ll be doing open cell on the roof deck. Also need to think about outside areas that are under the roof (carports/porches). Those will either need some form of blocking between the rafters to create a backing for the foam (if leaving those areas outside of the building envelope) or you will need to spray the ceiling joists and rafters to create a complete envelope. If I were doing it on and older home, then see if the roof needs work/replacement first and if replacing then pay a little more for ice and water shield in high risk areas (eves, ridges, rakes, etc.)
Posted on 8/12/23 at 6:02 am to bapple
I did mine this past spring and my unit runs way less. Maintains 75 degrees with ease… like cuts on for a few minutes, then cuts off for a while. It’s also cheapest it’s been in a while.
Can also store stuff in attic and not worry about it.
Can also store stuff in attic and not worry about it.
Posted on 8/12/23 at 10:18 pm to TaderSalad
What company did it and how much did it run you? Wondering if this might be something I want to try and tackle next year.
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