Attic Moisture Winter

The attic isn t always to blame for ceiling condensation.

Attic moisture winter.

These moisture vapors can build up on attic surfaces including the underside of your roof rafters and settle on attic insulation. What causes attic condensation. As the moisture migrates upwards to the colder attic areas during the winter months the relative humidity is increased to the point that condensation can occur on cold surfaces. The first signs of a condensation problem in your attic might show up during a re shingle on your roof.

Attic condensation during the winter can decrease the effectiveness of insulation and over time can cause significant damage to structural elements in the attic such as rafters or trusses. This can result in mold rust and deterioration of wood and structural fasteners. If there are signs of rot on the roof sheathing then there has been prolonged moisture in the attic. In this quick video i show you what to look for if you have condensation build up in your attic.

In the winter attic condensation often turns into frost which actually doesn t pose any threat. However when the frost melts it turns back into condensation which makes everything it touches wet usually insulation and wood. Check all possible entry points for water leaking from outsi. If it s winter and it s much colder outside as is often the case when that warm moist air comes in contact with the cold underside of your roof deck you get condensation.

Now your wood frames rafters roof sheathing and attic insulation is vulnerable to mold and rot which can. And the same factors that cause attic condensation problems also cause ice build up on roof edges which can lead to ice damming. Attic moisture in winter moisture vapor from daily activities such as cooking bathing and laundry can rise into your attic especially in winter when windows and doors are kept closed. If left wet for an extended period of time this moisture will cause wood rot.

First warm and moist air rises up from the living space below and gets trapped in your attic space. Warm and humid attic air combined with cold outside temperatures leads to condensation which can form on any cold wood surfaces metal nail heads chimney surfaces ventilation pipes and even in the insulation. Our main concern in the winter is moisture. How to fix ceiling condensation.

In the winter the condensation will form frost and in the summer this condensation can grow mold. Improper ventilation and insulation of home attic space can produce. If you notice condensation on your windows and walls find peeling wallpaper or bubbled paint or see mold spots around the house your home s humidity is too high.