Condensation in the attic in winter is one of the common problems people face, and dealing with the same fuss every season can get annoying. We have a whole blog full of answers if you need clarification about what is an attic. An attic is a space directly below a house’s pitched roof or other building. Sometimes also known as a sky parlor or garret, the space is often low story.
Attic rafters are often wooden boards to balance and frame the roof into the attic. Rafters are made on the job site by the roofers. They are used to support the load of the building, especially the roof area. To identify the presence of moisture in the attic, you will have to search through a series of events and tune in to why the presence of water is there.
- Are the roof nails starting to rust inside the attic?
- Is there any frost buildup on the roofing nails?
- Can you see any bold stains on the roof boards?
- Do the roofing nails have any frost buildup?
- Are there any drip marks on the insulation or attic floor?
- Can you notice any mold?
- Are the roof sheaths damaged or buckled?
- Is your attic insulation damp?
- Can you feel or smell damp wood?
- Is there moisture on the window panes or other flat surfaces?
- Is there a musky or damp smell that is not going away?
- Do you feel damp insulation?
The purpose of an attic is to control the temperatures in the house. They often look like storage cabins but have open space to allow the passage of fresh, moving air. Roof leaking in winter is one of the most common problems people face; however, a lot can be done to prevent the problem. Now, we have the answer to all the questions after this.
How and where does moisture get in the attic from?
Moisture will become a problem for winters as the months get colder. The house’s warm air, when combined with the cool air from the attic, submerges into moisture, creating condensation on the upper portion. The deck will eventually start rotting with the exposure of nails and rust. This is also when mold starts growing. Usually, 35-40% condensation is considered normal in winter; however, the process relies highly on ventilation. Moist air is less dense than dry air – making it easier to escape through holes and cracks. The air will flee if your upper floors are not sealed, decreasing overall home pressure.
Does moisture rise from the basement?
The basic plan of action here is the understanding that moisture will be present; you can only control the aspects of it. However, familiar sources of humidity are dishwashers, dryers, cookers, washing machines, baths, humidifiers, and other heat-producing machines. Yes, moisture rises from the basement because when water meets warm air, it starts evaporating, which is yet again a problem. Wind, negative pressure, and humidity stack up together, making condensation. The common ways of escape are:
- Wall gaps
- Pull down stairway chimneys
- Unsealed attic access
- Holes in the framing from plumbing work
- External gaps
How can you prevent excess moisture?
Ventilation does improve the filtration of air. However, you should always consult a professional regarding such aspects. The best way to control moisture is by getting rid of the cause. Regardless of what the situation is, things can always be handled in the right way by regular cleaning. Infiltration is also one of the ways to clear out residue and moisture. You can also put up a dehumidifier in your attic for the ultimate solution for time’s sake, but this is just a short-term solution, and ultimately you will have to cut down the root cause and implement a proper plan.
To stop condensation (and frost) from developing in your attic, you need to do four things:
- Eliminate or reduce air leakage into the attic
- Improve attic insulation
- Improve attic ventilation
- Ensure bathroom & dryer vents are routed outside
This is the ultimate guide that can help you throughout the sealing journey; however, the humidity will only increase if there are leakages. A tighter home will require reduced heating, decreasing the costs. But if it’s too close, the home will require mechanical ventilation, which will ensure that there are no pollutants or moisture that can harm you negatively. We have covered the source of moisture in the attic, the method for identifying any more significant problems caused by it, and how to deal with it at the forefront of personal response
