I think you're right to be cautious. Adding insulation is usually a smart move—it can really cut down heating costs—but ventilation is key. I've inspected homes where people packed insulation right up against soffit vents, unintentionally blocking airflow and causing moisture buildup. Make sure you keep those vents clear, and maybe even consider installing baffles if you haven't already. Done right, extra insulation shouldn't cause issues—just don't overlook the ventilation part...that's where most moisture problems start.
Good points on ventilation, especially about the soffit vents. I've seen a few cases where homeowners thought they'd done everything right—good insulation, sealed attic—but still ended up with mold issues because the ridge vents were either inadequate or improperly installed. Sometimes people overlook how crucial the balance between intake (soffit) and exhaust (ridge or roof vents) really is.
Also, one thing I've noticed during inspections is that even when baffles are installed, they aren't always extended far enough into the attic space. They need to reach past the insulation layer to truly keep airflow open. A few inches short can make a noticeable difference over time.
Have you ever run into situations where additional roof vents were needed after insulation upgrades? Curious if anyone's found that adding extra ventilation afterward solved moisture issues...
"Sometimes people overlook how crucial the balance between intake (soffit) and exhaust (ridge or roof vents) really is."
Couldn't agree more—it's like trying to drink a thick milkshake through a tiny straw, just doesn't work right. Had a similar issue last year after we upgraded insulation in one of our buildings. Thought we'd nailed it, but nope... mold city. Added a couple extra roof vents afterward, and within weeks the moisture levels dropped significantly. Sometimes the simplest fixes are the ones we overlook, ya know?
Had a similar experience last summer after we redid the attic insulation. Thought we'd done everything right, but started noticing condensation on the plywood sheathing. Turns out, we'd unintentionally blocked off some soffit vents with insulation batts. Pulled them back a bit and installed a few extra baffles to keep airflow clear... moisture problem gone within days. It's crazy how quickly these issues pop up if the balance is even slightly off.
Had a client last winter who ran into something similar. They'd just moved into a place and noticed some weird staining on the attic sheathing. At first glance, it looked like a roof leak, but the shingles were practically brand new. After poking around a bit, we realized the previous owners had stuffed insulation right up against the soffit vents—probably thinking more insulation equals better warmth, right? Classic mistake.
Anyway, we pulled the insulation back, added some vent baffles, and within a week or two, the moisture cleared right up. It's funny how something as simple as airflow can make such a huge difference. People often underestimate how much moisture can build up from everyday living—cooking, showers, even breathing adds humidity to the air. Without proper ventilation, that moisture has nowhere to go but up into your attic.
One thing I've learned over the years is that attics are sneaky. You think you've got everything dialed in, and then boom... condensation or mold pops up out of nowhere. It's always worth double-checking your vents and insulation placement, especially after any DIY projects or renovations. And honestly, it's not a bad idea to peek up there every season or so just to make sure nothing's shifted or gotten blocked.
Glad you caught it early though—I've seen some pretty nasty mold situations develop when these things go unnoticed for too long. Sounds like you handled it perfectly.
