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How to Tell the Difference Between Roof Leaks and Condensation
Admin • April 23, 2021
Water can cause massive and costly damage to your roof. In fact, water damage is one of the most frequently filed insurance claims in the United States.
Condensation and roof leaks are among the leading causes of roof damage, but each has its own causes. You should learn how to identify the difference between roof leaks and condensation to better understand the available repair options. Here is a guide to roof condensation, roof leaks, and ways to identify each issue.
Roof Condensation
Condensation problems occur when moisture inside the house accumulates in the attic space. When the house cools off in the evening, the attic space also cools and the condensed water seeps through wooden parts of the roof.
Insulation underneath the roof can accelerate the process of condensation. Foil-wrapped insulation, in particular, increases the risk of condensation. As the building heats up during the day, the roof transfers heat to the space between the insulation and the roof.
Insulation can inhibit proper ventilation on the underside of the roof, which keeps the roof from drying out properly. Factors such as humidity, cooking, the use of washers and dryers, space heaters, and furnaces can all also increase the risk of condensation.
Signs of Condensation
Condensation can go unnoticed for a long time before the insulation finally buckles under the weight of the moisture in the attic cavity. Leaks around the chimneys, bathroom and kitchen vents, and light fixtures are the most visible signs of a moisture problem in your home.
Other signs you may notice when inspecting your attic include:
- Dings and dents on the insulation underneath the roof vents
- Frost underneath the roof deck during winter
- Black runny streaks formed on the roof's purlins
- A white surface underneath the roof's sub-purlins
Keep an eye out for these signs to help you mitigate condensation issues before it is too late. Consider having a roofing expert examine your roof to identify insulation problems that could be contributing to condensation issues.
Roof Leaks
Leaks in the roof are often elusive because they typically occur in a different place than where they actually started.
Several factors can cause your roof to leak. For example, poor installation, low-quality materials, or corrosion of the roof's flashing can allow water to penetrate from the top of the roof to the underside of the roof.
Broken shingles and problems with the vents and plumbing can also increase the likelihood of water penetrating into the roof's interior, resulting in leaks. Chimneys and old skylights can also trap water, and this moisture can easily seep into the underside of the roof's structure.
Signs of Roof Leaks
While the source of a leak can be difficult to identify, certain surefire signs indicate a leak in a roof. These signs include:
- Moisture on the walls and ceilings
- Large irregular circles on the ceiling
- Mold on the home's exterior
- Sagging and discolored ridges
- Curled or broken shingles
- Drips that form pools of water on the floor
Roof leaks can spread fast and trivial signs could in fact hide a large leak underneath the roof.
Excessive moisture in the cavity between the roof and the ceiling is the primary cause of condensation. On the other hand, wear and tear, substandard installation, and use of low-quality materials increase the chance of leaks in the roof.
If you notice signs of water damage on your roof due to a leak or condensation, get in touch with a reputable roofing expert for recommendations on how to resolve the problem.
At Mr. Gutter Norva, we have the necessary knowledge and skills to identify roofing problems fast. If you are worried about a damaged roof or gutters, get in touch with us now for free estimates.
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