Drip. Drip. Drip. It’s the sound that no homeowner wants to hear, especially when it’s coming from the roof via the attic. Water damage to the roof and attic of your home can be really serious because water damage can weaken structural integrity, which can lead to all kinds of issues like rotting beams and rafters. And if it gets far enough, damage to your furniture and interior decor, and that’s before we get to the electrical troubles that could be caused by water leaking in from above.
What causes moisture and mold in your attic?
If you want to keep your attic and roof dry, then you first need to know what causes the problem in the first place. When it comes to the attic, a variety of factors, often related to inadequate ventilation and moisture control, can be the culprit.
One very common cause is poor ventilation, which leads to stagnant air and allows moisture to accumulate. Attics need to be well-ventilated to allow moisture-laden air to escape, especially in areas with high humidity or during winter when warm indoor air rises and condenses in the colder attic space.
Roof leaks are another major culprit. Even small leaks can lead to significant moisture buildup over time. This moisture not only damages the structure of your attic but also creates a perfect breeding ground for mold. Similarly, faulty or inadequate insulation which has not been correctly sealed to the roof, can contribute to moisture problems. Insulation that is improperly installed, or that has deteriorated, can allow warm air to condense on the cooler underside of the roof, leading to moisture accumulation.
How to Keep Your Attic and Roof Dry
Next, we’ll take a look at some top tips to keep your attic dry.
Attic Fans
Installing an attic fan that is on a timer, and which has the ability to close when it is raining will not only keep your attic space cool during daylight hours, when hot air rises from below, but it will also remove any moisture from the air at the same time.
Insulation
Attic insulation is important because moisture is more likely to form in the space, which can cause a whole host of issues, including dampness, mold, and even additional wear and tear to your roof. You may also notice higher energy bills as heat rises, and when there is no insulation to trap it inside, it will exit the home completely.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, which can seep into your attic or damage your roof’s structure, especially if it has been raining heavily. This is why you need to look after your gutters especially well in fall and winter.
Roof Inspection
In an ideal world, you should have a professional inspect out your roof at least twice a year, so that any issues are dealt with swiftly and as effectively as possible. When your roof is damaged, a whole bunch of bad things can follow, which might make it impossible to prevent moisture in attic spaces.
If there is a hole in your roof, or shingles are missing, water could leak through and cause dampness and mold. Water could also get into the electrics and turn your home into a danger spot. Additionally, your home’s wood framing may start to rot.
The good news is, it can so easily be avoided by calling in the experts once every six months, and doing periodic inspections yourself in between your visits. If you want to check the roof yourself, simply look for signs of leaks or missing shingles. Keep your chimney clean and clear, as well as caulked, so that no moisture can enter down it. It’s also a good idea to check for damp spots that could be caused by a roof leak inside your home too.
Metal Roofing
If it could be time for a roof upgrade, then you should definitely consider the benefit of metal roofing to keep attic dry. The great thing about metal roofing is that it is just so durable, It will withstand hail rain, snow, heavy showers, and even wildfire, and still live to tell the tale.
As if that was not enough, metal roofs have a much longer lifespan than other roofs (40-70 years on average in contrast to 15 years for asphalt roofs), so they will save you money in the long term, not to mention the stress of having to get a new roof installed, which is always a bonus.
Of course, the best thing about metal roofs is there are no shingles to worry about, so you can endure the worst winter conditions without worrying about your roof even once.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are lots of simple changes you can make, to ensure that your roof and attic stay dry, no matter what is going on with the weather. If you plan to make any changes to your roof and attic, the summer is usually the best time to do it because conditions will be good, and then you will have a brand new, safe, and secure roof and attic space to take you through the winter.