Roof Leak or Attic Condensation?

Everyone knows roof leaks are BAD - they’re costly to repair, hard to spot in time, and can lead to every homeowner’s nightmare - mold. What isn’t as commonly known is that not all “roof leaks” are actually leaks. During the winter season, you might be seeing attic condensation instead.

What is a roof leak?
​A roof leak is usually caused by an old or damaged roof letting water into the home. The water comes from rain or snow and enters the house through a seemingly undetectable opening. It then makes its way into your insulation and starts affecting wood.

• Water from a roof leak can travel 8-10 feet from the source (depending on the pitch of the roof), which is why it’s often difficult to find and fix the leak.

 
Roof leaks can be caused by old, cracked, or missing shingles, faulty chimneys or flashing, backed-up gutters, and ice dams.

What Is Attic Condensation?
Attic condensation works the other way around - instead of water coming in from outside, warm air and moisture within your home rise and condense in your attic. Picture it like this: On a hot summer day, a cool glass of water has condensation running down the outside of the glass. Your house is the warm outside weather, the water inside the glass is the cool Nebraska winter, and the surface of the glass is what your attic may look like with inadequate insulation or ventilation.

Water damage caused by attic condensation can be just as harmful to your home as ice dam leaks are – sometimes even worse.

Signs of Attic CondensationIf you see any of these signs, it’s time to contact a professional.

• sagging ridgeline
• drooping ceilings
• water leaks on interior walls and ceilings
• jammed doors
• cracked interior walls near the center of your home
• creaking sounds

Preventing Attic CondensationAttic condensation occurs if you have uneven or inadequate insulation in your attic. Warm air from your cozy home in the winter should not be traveling up to your attic - it should be stopped by insulation.

• Your attic should be receiving adequate ventilation, keeping it cool in the winter months. Insulation should keep the warm air from your house from getting into the attic. Make sure your home has both!
• Check the humidity in your home and minimize the chances of condensation with a dehumidifier.
• Ensure your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are NOT directing humid air into your attic. These should always discharge outside of your home.

 
Repairing water/moisture damage can be over five times more expensive than insulating your attic. If you don’t remember when you last had your roof inspected - it’s been too long. Call 402-620-4714 or email [email protected] to request a free inspection from us and make sure your attic and roof are protecting your home (and your wallet) from a wintry disaster!
 
*Do not attempt to chip away at ice dams and icicles. It can lead to shingle damage and personal injury. Always contact a professional!