Attic Condensation: What It Is & Why You Should Care
Attic condensation is a sign that something is awry in your home. Learn more about common causes and how to resolve it.
Attic condensation is a sign that something is awry in your home. Learn more about common causes and how to resolve it.
Uh-oh. You have condensation in your attic, and you know those water droplets are not because your home just finished a HIIT workout.
Attic condensation forms during the winter months when warm indoor air rises and meets the cooler air in the attic. If the air in the attic is cool enough, it can cause a frost layer to form on solid surfaces; when this frost layer melts, the result is musty mold and mildew. If this problem is left unresolved, it will eventually lead to significant wood rot and water damage.
The bad news is that attic condensation isn’t easy to catch. After all, it’s not like the attic is a popular living space or an area that you visit often (although you should make a habit of inspecting it monthly!) However, the good news is that attic issues can be resolved and prevented with proper insulation and ventilation.
Like you learned in elementary school, hot air rises, and when it rises and comes into contact with cool air, frost can form on solid surfaces. Poor attic ventilation is usually the main culprit, and what’s unfortunate is that most homes don’t have good ventilation, with many homes also having bathroom or kitchen vents that run into the attic instead of venting outside.
Proper ventilation dilutes and removes moisture from the air before it can accumulate, helping regulate the attic temperature by allowing hot air to escape in the summer and reducing extreme temperature differences in the winter, keeping surfaces closer to outdoor temperatures so condensation is less likely to form.
Other causes are:
In the winter months, you can learn a lot about heat loss by looking at your roof.
The next time you’re backing out of your driveway, walking to the mailbox, or taking the dog for a walk (every homeowner’s favorite task in the winter), stop for a minute to assess your roof. If you see any of the following, contact us to schedule an attic inspection:
If you have attic condensation, you need to address the underlying problem immediately. Otherwise, you’ll be sighing for months as you eventually deal with significant and expensive water damage repairs, mold remediation, and possible premature roof replacement.
Some of the most common problems that stem from attic condensation include:
If you’re the type who likes figuring things out yourself, we mean this kindly—hire a professional. Unless you have years of roofing experience and understand how all roofing components work together to protect your home, it will be challenging to identify the underlying issue.
Do yourself a favor and schedule a professional attic inspection, as a roofing expert can provide a targeted solution, eliminate the problem entirely, and prevent recurrence.
Some of the solutions that a professional may suggest (depending on the cause) include:
No two homes are the same, so a cookie-cutter approach won’t work. That’s why a professional inspection is so important.
Whether you suspect your attic may have moisture issues or you just want to be proactive, L&S Home Improvements is here to help.
We have over 75 years of industry experience installing and repairing roofs and siding, improving attic ventilation, and upgrading whole-home insulation throughout southeast Michigan. We’re committed to helping our friends and neighbors in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties improve indoor comfort, save money on energy, and stay protected from Mother Nature’s unpredictability.
Visit our website to learn more about our services, or contact us now to schedule your free attic inspection.
