[Sherman Logan]

It is universally assumed that insulation and caulking will make a home more energy efficient without any negative side effects.

In actual fact various moisture and rot/decay problems often arise after insulation and tightening. Exactly what and where depends on the climate and how the work is done.

Since my line of work involves dealing with these types of problems, it’s a plus for me, but I’m continually amazed by those who think you can change the way a structure functions so dramatically without possible unintended consequences.

[HiTech RedNeck]

One of the parishioners in my church had a roof get sopping wet and rot after vapor barriers were put into half the attic. Seems the installers didn’t bother with the requisite ventilation.

[mlocher]

Excellent piece of advice.

If I can generalize your line of reasoning a bit, when one gets too focused on the means, and forgets about the ultimate goal, bad things can happen. We see it in the Greenies and, sadly, we see it in how Obama is [mis] handling the ecomomy.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

In actual fact various moisture and rot/decay problems often arise after insulation and tightening. Exactly what and where depends on the climate and how the work is done.

Essentially, you can be sealing in the moisture, preventing it from escaping. And I understand that radon gas poses a far greater risk in houses that are well sealed and insulated, because the gas can't disperse as it does in "leaky" houses.