Water leak above ceiling?

Question

So we fixed the cause of the water. However there is still moisture trapped in the insulation (difficult to get to but there is attic access, however boards above any insulation).

My question is how do we remove the water before we repair the ceiling. I was thinking putting holes in the ceilings drywall. Once water stops running into buckets etc. Then running dehumidifiers for a few weeks in both the room with the damaged ceiling.... And potentially in the attic?

We live in MI, its friggin cold outside. Probably moist to. Is running a dehumidifier in the attic (above the wetness) a silly idea? If so what about a fan just to get some air movement?

Trying to do this on the cheep but we are considering having a company come out with professionaly grade dryers. We had this problem last year and they ran huge "dryers/dehumidifiers/not sure exactly what" for a few days. Then tested walls for moisture. Like I said would prefer not to pay a professional dryer.

We had this problem exactly one year ago (last time was roof, this time a toilet leak in an upstairs bath). We had hopes of not replacing all the drywall and insulation (completely replaced last time). Or going through insurance.

While it definitely shows its not nearly as bad as past water issues (all in same room and ceiling, 5 times in 10 years).

Also getting at insulation would likely require removing all drywall versus letting it dry and a patch job. Hopefully a fan directed at it from above, and a dehumidifier in the room itself (not attic).... Will help some.

Answer 1

Well I worked for one of those companies and have some tips for you. You need to dry everything out the best way to do that is airflow. If you can take up some box fans or something to get the air moving that will help. The small dehus will not work unless the temp. is above 45 degrees. Below that the condenser tubing will just freeze up. You noted that you live in MI and this is an attic. Probably your best bet is to pull out the insulation that is wet. Dry the wood with a fan and you could even pull out the drywall and that wouldn't be too expensive. The wood shouldn't take too long to dry and should be OK. If you get a little mold on the wood it is OK to sand off and the wood will be structurally safe. Just were a dust mask.

Answer 2

Don't use a dehumidifier in the attic in winter. A fan will help. Even better if you can get it affixed to say a gable vent and have it suck the air out rather than just swirl it around.

A couple small holes in the ceiling if you really have that much water, will help spare the excess soaking. 1/4" or so will be fine for draining.

I guess I'd really have to see this to be sure. But from what you described, maybe I'd just throw out the affected insulation and replace it. Would also let me see the condition of the beams and attic side of the drywall. Especially if this has all been wet before.

Answer 3

The fastest and best way is to remove the drywall and wet insulation. Replace the dry wall. Insulation between two living spaces, (upstairs and downstairs) is probably unnecessary.
That insulation was put in before you finished and Heated? the attic.

Answer 4

I'm a professional home remodeler in Michigan and encounter this frequently. I recommend to all my customers to just allow the water to dry out naturally, it won't take long. Once it has dried then the repairs can be done. The most common question asked is how can it dry when it's freezing out. The ceiling radiates enough heat to keep it from freezing and any moisture above freezing evaporates very quickly, especially in the winter when the air is soooo cold. The colder the air the faster the rate of evaporation.