Welcome to Family Roofing

• You should inspect your attic for damage at least once a year

• Things to look for include rodent infestation, water damage, attic insulation and air movement

• While up there, you’ll want to inspect the state of your chimney if you have one

• If you don’t feel comfortable doing a DIY attic inspection, it’s smart to call in a Professional!

Most attic leaks happen because of problems on the roof.  Damaged shingles, loose flashing and bad sheathing are just a few examples.  The weather takes a toll too.  Freezing temperatures create ice dams along roof edges that back up melting snow under shingles and into the attic.  Broken water pipes, heavy condensation and AC leaks in the attic can also result in serious water damage to your home. Knowing what to look for makes it easier to identify the type of leak.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE WATER DAMAGE IN MY ATTIC?

Sometimes water damage is obvious, but sometimes it’s more difficult to spot.  To identify a problem, look for any of these telltale signs:

• Discolored attic ceiling materials

• Mold growth in areas below roof valleys

• Damp walls adjacent to gutters and downspouts

• Moisture accumulated around and under attic vents

• Corrosion and rust on attic pipes

• Water stains on attic floor surfaces

• Stains around downstairs ceiling light fixtures

AM I DEALING WITH ATTIC CONDENSATION OR A ROOF LEAK?

You may start to notice signs of attic condensation without even going into the attic.  These signs include:

• Damp attic walls and flooring

• Buckled ceiling materials

• Excessive attic humidity

• Pervasive musty odors

Humidity in the air is what causes condensation and moisture in your home.  For example, you may notice foggy windows if there is a lot of water vapor in the air.  Air from beneath the ceiling will go into the attic, especially homes without adequate attic insulation.  Typically in colder weather, warm moist air will get into your attic, causing condensation on the bottom of your roof deck, and are that should match the temperature of the cold air outside.

In cold weather, when warm air from the living areas of your home finds its way into your attic, it can cause condensation on the bottom of your roof deck, which should typically be as cold as the outside air.  Proper insulation should reduce heat transfer into your attic. A sound ventilation system will also ideally remove leaked heat and moisture from your attic.   Condensation may freeze depending on how cold the attic gets. If this happens, once it thaws, it can become the source of water damage in your home and/or attic.

Suppose you’re not able to spot clear signs of a roof leak.  In that case, there is moisture all-around your attic, and/or the insulation is damp; this could be a sign of an attic condensation issue.

Check for Water Damage

The most important thing to look for during an attic inspection is the presence of water.  From the top down, your attic and roof are the first line of defense against expensive water damage, and humid air, rotting wood and obvious moisture are all indicators that there may be water present.  Moisture should not exist in the upper reaches of your house, so if there is even the slightest indication of water, mold, or staining, you’ll want to take a closer look and identify the problem.

Black marks on the structural joists, from periodic episodes of water intrusion, are easy to identify.  Less obvious could be wet insulation or a roof leak around an attic-based air conditioner.  Brown stains on the ceiling beneath the attic on the ceiling drywall are sure indications that you have a leak somewhere in your attic.  Poke around any PVC drain pipes that run from the AC unit across the attic floor and check the seals for anything that exits through the roofing.  These can include whole house fans, plumbing vents, skylights, and chimneys, but also can be the valleys and joints between dormers or architectural details.  Any point or seam that penetrates the seal of the roofing system is a potential failure point you’ll want to inspect.

HOW TO FIX A ROOF LEAK FROM THE ATTIC

Figuring out how to clean up attic water damage can be a challenge.  Using a headlamp flashlight makes the work safer by illuminating spaces and freeing up your hands.  It’s important to understand that this may not be a DIY project.  Follow these steps, but be ready to bring in water damage professionals to finish the job.

IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK

Check for Water Damage

The most important thing to look for during an attic inspection is the presence of water.  From the top down, your attic and roof are the first line of defense against expensive water damage, and humid air, rotting wood and obvious moisture are all indicators that there may be water present.  Moisture should not exist in the upper reaches of your house, so if there is even the slightest indication of water, mold, or staining, you’ll want to take a closer look and identify the problem.

Black marks on the structural joists, from periodic episodes of water intrusion, are easy to identify.  Less obvious could be wet insulation or a roof leak around an attic-based air conditioner.  Brown stains on the ceiling beneath the attic on the ceiling drywall are sure indications that you have a leak somewhere in your attic.

Poke around any PVC drain pipes that run from the AC unit across the attic floor and check the seals for anything that exits through the roofing.   These can include whole house fans, plumbing vents, skylights, and chimneys, but also can be the valleys and joints between dormers or architectural details.  Any point or seam that penetrates the seal of the roofing system is a potential failure point you’ll want to inspect.

HOW TO PREVENT LEAKS IN THE ATTIC

After finding and repairing an attic leak, you want to make sure it doesn’t happen again.  These simple tips can minimize the risk of leaks and water damage in your attic.

• Keep gutters and downspouts clean and in good condition.

• Regularly check the roof for loose shingles and damaged flashing.

• Inspect attic vents and keep them clear of any blockage.

• Replace insulation that’s become flat, stiff or damp.

• Install vapor barriers to reduce attic condensation.

• Hire a professional to perform routine roof inspections.

• Vent appliance exhausts directly outside instead of through the attic.

• Head off A/C leaks in the attic with professional HVAC maintenance.

• Increase attic air circulation by leaving all room air vents open.

If you bring in restoration professionals to dry out the attic, ask the technicians for pointers.  They can help you solve all types of problems.  For example, they know how to remove water damage on attic sheathing.  Restoration pros can often salvage soaked belongings, and they can help you navigate your water damage claims process.

WHO SHOULD YOU CALL FOR A ROOF LEAK IN THE ATTIC?

The potential for moisture damage or water damage can be high depending on where you live and how bad it is.  There must be adequate insulation in attics to prevent damage in the first place.  The best way to determine whether you have a condensation issue or a roof leak is to hire a professional.  Call a professional roofing contractor if you suspect roof damage or notice any roof leaks.