"Seems like ventilation is the unsung hero of insulation projects."
Couldn't agree more with this. We had a similar experience when we wrapped our old farmhouse in insulation. Thought we were doing everything right—eco-friendly materials, extra thick layers, the whole nine yards. But soon enough, we noticed damp patches forming near the windows and corners. Turns out, sealing everything up tight without proper airflow was trapping moisture inside.
After chatting with a local builder who specializes in green renovations, we learned that older homes really do need to "breathe" a bit. We ended up installing a few passive vents and even a small heat recovery ventilator (HRV). Made a huge difference. Not only did the moisture issues clear up, but the air inside just felt fresher and healthier overall.
It's funny how counterintuitive it feels at first—you're insulating to keep things cozy, but you still need to let some air move around. Definitely a balancing act...but worth figuring out.