Condensation In Attic During Winter

This attic hatch is not only leaky it has no insulation above it.

Condensation in attic during winter.

Mould is caused by moisture that condenses on the cold hatch surface during winter. While this is fine on occasion overuse can create excess humidity resulting in condensation. Our main concern in the winter is moisture. Many people run humidifiers in their home during the winter if they feel the air is dry.

Condensation on your ceiling can cause water damage and promote the growth of mold or mildew. Attic condensation during the winter can decrease the effectiveness of insulation and over time can cause significant damage to structural elements in the attic such as rafters or trusses. In summer when the air conditioning is on the reverse happens. Attic condensation generally happens during winter spring months when warm moist air from the main living area rises into the attic space.

If you find find condensation on your windows this could be a n early indication that your humidifier is the source. In an attic like this wintertime ceiling condensation can form when cold air from the attic hits your warm ceiling. And the same factors that cause attic condensation problems also cause ice build up on roof edges which can lead to ice damming. Improving your attic s air sealing and insulation prevents attic air from reaching your ceiling and it s a fairly easy job to do yourself.

When that warm moist air meets the chilly underside of your roof s deck condensation occurs. As the moisture migrates upwards to the colder attic areas during the winter months the relative humidity is increased to the point that condensation can occur on cold surfaces. If you have a roof leak in the winter months and it s not being caused by ice dam there may be another culprit. It is unlikely that under these conditions normal attic ventilation would effectively remove this moisture laden air before ice formed on the roof decking.

Attic condensation the conditions that cause ice dams often cause attic condensation too. This can result in mold rust and deterioration of wood and structural fasteners. The reason is that during the winter fans such as the one in your bathroom would send air saturated with moisture into the attic directly onto frigid roof boards. Warm and humid attic air combined with cold outside temperatures leads to condensation which can form on any cold wood surfaces metal nail heads chimney surfaces ventilation pipes and even in the insulation.