This study was done regarding whether sealing or ventilation is the best solution to prevent moisture on cold attics. The authors of this report addressed the problem with moisture in attics when they started their cooperation with Peab.

The methods included interviews with people, database research, and calculations of a project in Akersberga north of Stockholm. The conclusion is based on interviews and other information as they are analyzed in relation to the house of reference. The focus of this report is on problems with moisture in the attics known as cold attics.

The background of the problem with moisture is that today’s slabs are usually insulated to save energy and that the attics nearly gives the climate as the outdoor climate. The contribution of moisture increases this problem when the relative humidity reaches 75 %, which in most cases promotes mould. Moisture comes with natural ventilation through the eaves due to outside humidity and precipitation finding its way in, and at the same time comes from the inside through openings or cracks on concrete slabs, ventilation ducts, and attic doors.

Moisture also comes into the attic from building materials, especially from the concrete slabs that evaporate which gives off a lot of moisture throughout the years. These things are possible to prevent with four different methods ventilation, sealing, heating or insulating the outer roof.

Moisture effects are calculated from the examples given by Roxull FuktFakta in comparison with the authors own calculations from other databases. The object of reference, Bergahojden 6, is a residential building that has served as a model for all the calculations. The conclusion shows that air circulation has to increase to get out the moisture through the ventilation. The winters here in Sweden are so humid that the ventilation should be suitable enough so that the humidity does not rise above 75 % in the attic.

To heat up the attic with devices, or by using roof insulation, would bring the same climate as the outdated slab insulations. There will be a big loss of energy with heat going out if the roof is not insulated. To apply both systems would be a double investment which would be hard to convince builders of.

The conclusion is that the best method would be to combine sealing with ventilation, or a possible mechanical system which allows the attic to be ventilated during the summer and sealed during the winter.