Possible condensation in loft - is ventilation really the answer?

Jonesy127

We had the insulation in our loft increased in the summer, to a total thickness of 270mm.

Since the weather has turned cool and damp, we can hear dripping on what sounds like the bedroom ceiling.

I know it's a possibility, by coincidence, that the roof has started leaking, but I'm more inclined to assume the extra insulation has created condensation?

A quick google gives me this article, however, that suggests ventilation won't help: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/property/advice/11333991/Why-is-there-condensation-in-my-loft.html

Is this advice, to uses the author's own word, "guff"?

ComicGeek

What that article doesn't really point out is that the solution is to deal better with the moisture laden air in the rooms below, and to investigate any air leaks through the ceiling (ie recessed spotlights, extract ducts, loft hatches without seals).

What do you see up in the loft when you investigated this? Is the insulation damp or wet, is it only in one place or all around, is it near to air routes from an adjacent bathroom/en-suite?

It's too easy to blame the insulation, the author of that article only explains half the issue to make a compelling story. Most new build houses now have 300-400mm insulation in the lofts, but deal with the internal moisture issue better, so have fewer issues with condensation in lofts. The requirement is good ventilation in the roof space PLUS good ventilation in the rooms below to remove excess moisture at source before it reaches the loft space.

TheCyclingProgrammer

Reducing moisture produced from within the house would help, but your loft should still be well ventilated. When you increased the insulation did you block your eaves vents?

Grenage

Yes, ventilation is very important in a cold roof space.

Strider590

Plumbing issue caused by the insulation people falling onto or hitting a pipe?

Perhaps a blocked or damaged boiler blow off pipe? With the heating on now and possibly the expansion vessel may have lost air, you could be having issue with that......

You need to get up there and find the cause asap.

Jonesy127

ComicGeek wrote: »

What do you see up in the loft when you investigated this? Is the insulation damp or wet, is it only in one place or all around, is it near to air routes from an adjacent bathroom/en-suite?

Haven't found whee the issue is in the loft as yet. It's more a case of hearing dripping in the middle of the night.

Jonesy127

TheCyclingProgrammer wrote: »

When you increased the insulation did you block your eaves vents?

So, there are no eaves vents or roof vents; the only source of air is a hole in the wall where a pipe from the old water tank was!

onomatopoeia99

Going back 20 years, when I insualted the loft at my old house it caused condensation problems which could be seen covering the underside of the roofing felt. There was no ventilation at all, so I put vents in the soffits and that sorted it out, within 24h there was no trace of condensation.

Norman_Castle

Jonesy127 wrote: »

Haven't found whee the issue is in the loft as yet. It's more a case of hearing dripping in the middle of the night.

If its regular dripping its unlikely to be condensation. I'm not sure its cold enough yet for substantial condensation to form in a loft. Have you looked in the loft for signs of condensation?

TheCyclingProgrammer

Jonesy127 wrote: »

So, there are no eaves vents or roof vents; the only source of air is a hole in the wall where a pipe from the old water tank was!

I think you've just identified your problem.

Davesnave

Ventilation is essential, so it's good to arrange for that anyway, but how the heck would one hear condensation dripping through 270mm of insulation?

Another possibility is expansion and contraction of central heating pipes, which can sound just like drips.