Ventilation-Condensation

Services | Projects

Inadequate attic and rafter ventilation can result in excess heat buildup in the summer and water vapor condensation and mold in the winter, which damages roofing and roof structures. Inadequately vented crawl spaces can be a significant source of water vapor into a building.

Moisture from the crawl space typically increases each year in the spring when snow melts and water tables rise. Water vapor from an inadequately vented crawl space and attic or rafter spaces can increase the possibility of condensation problems in building walls, attic, and rafter spaces.

Moisture from condensation is often mistaken for roof or exterior wall leaking.

Most building codes require proper attic, rafter and crawl space ventilation.

Roofing Warranty Requirements

Most asphalt shingle manufacturers and many other roofing manufacturers require attic and rafter ventilation that complies with building code requirements.

Services

IRCI can help determine existing attic, rafter, or crawl space ventilation problems and provide solutions that comply with local building codes. Services include the following:

Design and Specification

• Prepare or review specifications, plans, and drawings on new construction and existing buildings to provide proper attic, rafter, or crawl space ventilation that meets building code requirements, is adequate for the building, and functions properly

Surveys, Evaluations, and Recommendations

• Conduct surveys of existing buildings to determine if attic, rafter, or crawl space ventilation meets building code requirements, is adequate, and functions properly. Surveys can include test cuts, core samples, material testing, infrared or other nondestructive surveys, and digital video, digital photographs and 35 mm photographs.
• Surveys include written reports with a description of conditions observed, evaluations, recommendations, and estimated costs for design services and construction work.

Quality Assurance Observations

• Provide one-time, part-time, or full-time daily observations during construction to ensure proper installation
• Submit written reports with photographs as needed

Consulting

• Answer questions and provide information concerning design, construction, and related issues
• Provide comparative analysis of materials and systems including pertinent product data, its advantages and disadvantages, and comparative costs

Projects

Significant ventilation and condensation projects include the following:

Micron Technologies, Inc. Buildings, Lehi, Utah
Project description: leaking and building damage due to condensation

Bureau of Reclamation Building, Provo, Utah
Project description: leaking and building damage due to condensation

Additional project information with photographs, client references, and contacts available on request.

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