You seem to have a good handle on what's going on. But for the benefit of others, I'm going to offer more background on what's going on. (You will pick up whatever you can ...)

Well, I'm going to be the bearer of more bad news. What's happening up there is the roof is getting heated (especially in the Summer) and the heat is radiating into your living space right THROUGH the sheathing, insulation, AND drywall. This is really bad especially in summer where your A/C is running all the time. You'll probably NEVER cool that room. And in Winter, you have the same effect except less so but you will have moisture up there as it cools.

Before there's any recommendation to the 'problem', let me explain what should have been done when the attic was finished off. Whoever finished off the attic should have installed Soffit Vents and Soffit Chutes and a Ridge Vent. The Soffit Vents are installed at the eaves which allow fresh air to rise up and along the UNDERSIDE of the roof's sheathing via the Soffit Chutes (to cool the roof), and to channel the hot air to the outside via the Ridge Vent. When this doesn't occur (as in your case), adding more insulation isn't going to help. In short, the roof needs to be kept 'cool' in order to prevent any heat from building up.

If you want to know what a Hip Roof is, see Shingling a Hip Roof (assuming this WEB page loads up.)

For more info, see OwensCorning.com and there are pictures and product links too. (They call their 'chutes' - Rafter Vents ...)

Now what should you do??? That's a good question! If you need a new roof, consider installing the lightest colored shingles you (... well, your wife) can tolerate. This will help a little to keep the heat off of the roof. Beyond that, I'd consider installing the Chutes even if you have to cut out parts of the ceiling. BUT, before you do, I'd learn as MUCH as possible about what needs to be done to have a successful 'retrofit'. (Get the proper sized and type vents and chutes. Yes, they even make Soffit Vents if you don't have eaves on your home!) If you need more info or guidance, post back.

My best to ya and hope this helps.

Jay J -Moderator

PS: Hopefully I've made it known, indirectly, that you don't want to use PVC as a 'chute' ...

PPS: You can always take your chances ...

PPPS: God Bless America!

You know, it's hard for me to say what you should do. I'm the kind of guy that, regardless of how 'disruptive' the job might be, I like to do it right the first time, and be done w/it. (Then again, I'm not in your shoes ...)

No, I don't buy the theory that plugging the holes, or whatever, will do what's being touted. Your heat is a radiant heat problem. A radiant heat problem is one that's similiar to heating an empty pot on the stove. The pot has no holes, yet it gives off heat on the INSIDE if you were to stick your hand in in it and touch the bottom. See what I mean? The hot bottom has nothing to do with the 'air' that's in the pot, even though it is 'warm' too (as you reach through it to touch the bottom.)

You know, you could leave things alone to see what happens, for at least all 4 seasons. As for adding a window unit, I'd forget that. Instead, I'd consider installing a ceiling vent with a fan to allow the warm air to get out of the room. By cooling all that warm air, remember: Warm air holds a LOT of moisture, and by cooling it, you'll get dampness on a lot of surfaces (which will lead to mold/mildew.) IMO, bad idea.

So as you see, it's real easy for me to say what you should do. It's a shame the previousl owner did a poor job. The only way you MIGHT have known this is if you actually noticed that there weren't any soffit vents and a ridge vent. Did you have the home inspected??? Did the Inspector catch this??? Were there any 'signs' of mold/mildew when he went up into the attic?

Jay J -Moderator

PS: God Bless America!