I’m remodeling with an unvented Cathedral ceiling in Climate Zone 4.  I have asphalt shingles, underlayment the rafter cavities that are 9″ deep which were filled with faced High density R-30.  Adding exit vents is not a feasible approach and I don’t want to use spray foam for a couple reasons.  A contractor today came by and recommended Reflective Insulation (Sold under the Low-E brand) and all kind of reasons why.  Reduces transfer, keeps hot from meeting cold thus eliminates condensation, excellent moisture barrier, cheap, easy to install, etc.  He gave me a sample, reflective on both sides, small 1/8″…

I live in Zone 4.  I have a “Hot Roof” – Sloped ceiling.  (Soffits yes, but no exit ventilation is possible due to design).  Sheetrock and old insulation is down and I believe the key to reinstalling the insulation to prevent wet/moldy conditions is to ensure the cold roof and cool fiberglass insulated rafter cavities do not get exposed to the warm humid air from inside the house.  I plan to use a spray foam gasket along the top plates and other areas prior to installing sheetrock.  Will the faced R38 paper be adequate to provide moisture barrier between conditioned…

Hello, We had a “hyperheat” Mistubishi mini-split system installed with three heads connected to one large outdoor compressor (late July 2021) in the Colorado foothills near Denver (very dry climate). Ever since it was installed, we have had an intermittent “sour sock” smell coming from each of the heads, however it only happens when the units are in cooling mode, and even then, only immediately after the unit stops cooling (e.g. it has reached its set point or we turn the thermostat up a couple of degrees). It dissipates after a few minutes, but it really unpleasant when it happens.…

Hello (and thank you for reading)! Built 2005, I purchased a 925 sf home with 1 car attached garage in the northeast (MA).First spring I noticed higher humidity levels, worse going into summer, even Fall. Went up to mid 70% and up a bit at times. AC brings it down in summer but my master closet (all the closets) smell not moldy but musty. Clothes have a dampness. Damp Rid hanging bags in the closets fill in 3 weeks. In winter however, the RH drops to 28, and down to 24 at times. So uncomfortable. The main roof covering the house itself,…