What Can Cause Condensation in your Attic?

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

Attic condensation can cause water damage!

Attic condensation is a form of water damage typical to cold weather, and can be tricky to fix.

Condensation of water vapor on cold surfaces, such as in attics, can cause wood to rot. This can lead to extensive damage and very costly repairs.

Condensation in attics typically occurs when warm, moist air moves or is directed into the attic from the living spaces below in a home. Unusually high humidity in the home’s living spaces is strongly associated with attic condensation problems.

Building codes have requirements to prevent the problem of attic condensation, but unfortunately codes don’t address all the issues, and many houses are built without following building codes. Your builder or designer should understand the relationship of humidity and air movement when designing and constructing homes so that these problems don’t occur. However, if this is not the case, there are steps that you can take to prevent condensation in your attic.

Prevention

• Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, as well as dryer vents, should never open into the attic space. They should always discharge outside. You may have a well ventilated attic, but it won’t make a difference if the bathroom exhaust fan constantly dumps warm, moist air directly into the attic space. This could result in condensed water vapor freezing onto cold attic materials, which will eventually thaw and create wet attic materials. This will result in damage in the attic and inside the home.
• Minimize the amount of ceiling mounted fixtures below the attic. These create the need for holes in the drywall or plaster. Make sure that any of these that do exist are properly sealed. They need to be airtight.
• Keep your attic air temperature below freezing when the outside air temperature is in the low 20s. Proper attic ventilation is key to keeping the attic cool, while insulation keeps the rest of your house warm. You have to keep vents free from obstructions so that the natural flow of cool outside air is not hindered, and can replace the warmer attic air that rises. The flow of air will keep the attic cool and free of moisture build-up.

If you do experience any water damage this winter, give Danielle a call at 610-506-8919 so that SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County & West Chester can help!