Condensation in your attic can lead to very damaging effects on your home. Many times, homeowners think their roof has a leak, but often the water damage is due to condensation build up and has a much different way to solve the problem. Some signs that you may have an attic condensation problem could include:
- Persistent moisture forming on windows or walls
- Trace marks from water dripping down walls
- A musky or damp odor
- Dampened insulation
- Rust
- Dark stains on attic material
- Buckled roof sheathing
Causes
There are many things that can cause condensation buildup in your attic, including:
- Exhausts from bathrooms or your dryer being improperly installed to run into the attic
- Excessive heat loss
- Lack of ventilation
- Over humidifying the home
All of these above possibilities combined with cold outside temperatures can increase moisture accumulation and the appearance of dripping or leaking water in your ceilings or walls. Condensation is therefore typically produced during the winter and spring.
Damages Caused by Attic Condensation
Condensation likes to collect on insulation and wood, which will spread then to the frames, rafters, and roof sheathing. When these become wet, all become susceptible to rot and mold, jeopardizing the structural integrity and health safety of your home.
How to Protect Your Home from Attic Condensation
For a short term quick fix, you can run a dehumidifier in your attic to help take away the condensation present. However, depending on the amount of condensation, this may have to be done repetitively and frequently, and the source of the condensation may continue to get worse. Finding the source of the water being introduced to your attic itself and eliminating it is a much more practical solution for safe long-term results.
The next step would be to control the air infiltration, which is left alone could leave your attic susceptible to a future water problem. By sealing all air leakage paths into your attic, the likelihood of another condensation issue arising becomes greatly reduced. Adding insulation and proper ventilation to your attic will prevent the build up and damaging effects of condensation.
Prevent Attic Condensation with True Building Performance
We offer air sealing and attic insulation installation services that can prevent and/ or get rid of the condensation problems in your home. Check out our Attic Insulation service!