Condensation in high hats

[blazin28]

This isn't my garage but figured someone here could help me diagnose this. So I built a walkin closet up into my attic space about 5 years ago. I insulated against the roof but used the styrofoam spacer stuff to give an airflow gap between the roof and the insulation. So it finally warmed up in my area and Ive never noticed this before but I have condensation dripping from the high hats that are in roof joists. Not sure if its because im not running my ac yet or if i actually have a serious problem that needs to addressed. There are no spots on my drywall showing a problem.

 

[aandpdan]

The high hats are cool and the warm moist air in your closet is condensing on them. Yes, there is a problem. You'll have mold growing at some point. Ventilation can help.

Are the current high hats "insulation contact" rated? If so, insulate around them better.

 

[blazin28]

I thought it was the hot roof and the cooler room air? They are airtight IC rated new work 4". I was more concerned about the whole area then just the high hats. Do you think the problem may just be isolated to the high hats cause air get through to them and its not sealed off? Thanks for the help so far. Need to figure out what I need to tear apart and redo. I dont want my roof rotting from the inside.

 

[aandpdan]

Think cold beer. The dew that forms outside the bottle is because the moisture in the air condenses on the cold bottle. That's what you have happening.

Is there a vapor barrier in place?

I don't think the roof will rot more likely the ceiling will get moldy.

 

[kbs2244]

You need more venting.
That airflow you made has to go somewhere.

Do not try and have a warm attic.
That will trap the moisture.
A well vented attic will be cold and dry.
The moisture will follow the warmth out.

 

[ard]

.

Do not try and have a warm attic.
That will trap the moisture.
A well vented attic will be cold and dry.
The moisture will follow the warmth out.

Doesnt sound like he HAS a real 'attic'. He converted the attic space into a closet.

 

[Toolfool]

Does your "airflow" beneath the roof sheathing lead to a ridge vent ?

 

[blazin28]

All these answers are great!! Thanks for the reply’s. I cut the drywall out around the one can today to inspect for a more serious moisture problem that I thought I had. But everything is dry. What I found is the top of the can itself has no insulation on it and it touches the styrofoam air spacer against the roof. That is what I think caused the can itself to condensate from the house air. I think I’m gonna switch the can out for a shallow mount type.
How wet the led was.







Red arrow is styrofoam air gap.