Why Prevent Roof Condensation Before Winter?

Condensation tends to look and act like a leak, even if there’s no actual damage to your roof. Fortunately, a close, professional inspection can tell the difference between condensation problems and leaks. Save yourself the trouble and let Pawcatuck Roofing Co., Inc., roofing contractor, inspect your roof before winter hits.

Roof Condensation

Roof condensation tends to form in winter and early spring. Cold air and water on your roof meet the hot air in your attic and roof spaces. Moisture in the hot air condenses and results in “sweating” walls and water inside your house. It looks like a leak even if nothing is wrong with your roof.

Causes

Wrong insulation is one of the leading causes of condensation in the attic. Too much insulation traps warm air up near the roof and forces condensation. Water inside the insulation causes mildew, mold and other problems. Poor roofing repair or installation is another contributing factor.

Problems

Condensation is often noticed only after it seeps down into walls and ceilings in the house. The resulting mold and mildew can aggravate allergies and respiratory problems. The wetness also attracts insects and pests. Condensation on the wooden rafters and trusses weakens the structure of the roof. The roof could sag, rot or even collapse.

The warmth inside the structure can melt the snow on your roof, causing water to run down your eaves and freeze. This leads to ice damming and water backups, which can damage parts of the home, especially the roof. A full replacement project is often necessary.

Prevention

The key to prevention is good roof and attic ventilation. A roofing expert can check if you have proper airflow to allow moisture to escape. It’s important to insulate and protect your attic from any water passage. It’s also vital to provide for natural air circulation that allows warm air to circulate.

Pawcatuck Roofing Co., Inc. covers both residential and commercial roof replacement issues. You can count on us to inspect your roof and attic for any condensation. We can provide quality insulation and ventilation to our Westerly, RI, businesses and residences. Call us at (860) 650-1951 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.