Winter may be a difficult time for Alberta residents, but It is also the most difficult season for your roofing system. Snow on the roof can accumulate and, given the appropriate conditions, freeze and thaw over the course of a day cycle. As a result, when a stain emerges along with the ceiling or wall, it is very easy to mistake (read: blame) what is happening outside as the source of the leak. Attic rain, on the other hand, is created by circumstances inside the house. Most roofing systems that experience attic rain have no issues with the outside.
What Is Attic Rain?
At its most basic, attic rain is a ventilation problem. Warm, wet air will rise up into the attic area and develop frost on the decking before it can ventilate outside the house. Snow and frost can clog vents, making the operation more difficult. The most typical source of this moisture is steam from cooking in the kitchen or from the bathroom shower. If the temperature rises enough, the frost will melt quickly, and if the moisture cannot escape quickly enough, it will create what we call attic rain. Chinook winds may be a major cause of attic rain in southern Alberta, since temperatures can climb quite high in a short period of time.
The Damages:
Staining: Unappealing water damage can leave a stain that is difficult to remove or replace.
Sagging Deck: Moisture can cause the roof deck to sag and deteriorate. This can cause obvious slumping under the weight of snow. In severe circumstances, the decking can rot away completely, posing a serious danger to the overall ability of a roof to drain rain.
Mold: Black mould is a deadly fungal growth that is almost exclusively found in human dwellings and is highly difficult and harmful to eliminate. Many homes have black mould for many years before it is discovered, possibly contaminating the air with harmful spores. If you have black mould as a consequence of attic rain, at least you know what it is and may take efforts to ameliorate the situation.
Electrical: Water flowing around electrical devices is a big source of worry. If you observe a leak near electrical equipment, use the breaker to turn off the power until the area can be securely investigated.
Prevention
Always use a ventilation fan when using the restroom or kitchen, and leave it running for a few minutes after you’re done. Another technique to avoid attic rain is to avoid using a humidifier if your indoor humidity level is between 30% and 50%. Check with a roofing specialist to see if your home has adequate ventilation. Adding extra vents or turbines may often significantly increase your protection against attic rain. Inspect the soffit regions with a roofing specialist to verify there is positive airflow from the attic’s base to the top. Keep your roof as snow-free as possible by using a snow rake properly or calling a roofing professional to help.
Why Is Attic Rain Becoming So Common?
Attic rain is becoming increasingly widespread because it is more likely to occur in newer, more energy-efficient homes. New homes in Edmonton and around Alberta are significantly more airtight and perform a far better job of holding moisture and warm air inside. As a result, many new homes have a whole-house ventilation system that exchanges all of the air within the house with outside air. Attic rain may occur if your home does not have this system or if it is not used on a regular basis.
Looking for roofing contractors in Edmonton? Our skilled roofing experts can do a full roof and siding inspection for you. We will provide you a free quote to fix any roof, or attic ventilation issues that are causing attic rain.