Dealing with condensation problems

December 11, 2000

Question from: Lorraine
Victoria, BC

Dear Shell,

I have a home, approximately 900 square feet, on a dirt crawl space, all vinyl windows, insulation bats under the house, insulation blown into the walls, blown-in insulation in the attic, electric heat and no fan in either the kitchen or bathroom. I leave the bedroom window open a bit at night. My windows stream with water in the morning. What would be the easiest method of dealing with all this condensation? I am concerned that it might be difficult to install a fan through the attic since I have the blown-in insulation. I have looked at plug-in dehumidifiers but am not sure I could live with the noise in such a small living space.

Thanks, Lorraine

Dear Lorraine,

Insulating the crawl space walls with rigid foam insulation as well as covering the ground with 6 mil poly will greatly add to your comfort level and reduce heating costs. Bathroom exhaust fans are a must in today’s homes especially with the upgrades that we do to the living cavity such as better windows and extra insulation in the walls and ceilings. Call 1 800-387-2000 and request a copy of the free booklet entitled Keeping the Heat In. You will find the information very helpful in making your home more comfortable.

It’s just that easy.

Shell Busey