Valley Insulation Explains Common Sources of Water Damage to Attic Insulation
When homeowners think about water damage, it is often the basement or the crawlspace that springs to mind. However, attics can suffer from moisture problems just as easily. Since most of us don’t spend time in the attic, leaks can often go unnoticed for long periods of time, causing great damage to the insulation as well as mold or structural damage. So how did that water get there anyway? Finding the source can be a difficult task. In today’s blog, the professionals at Valley Insulation will go over some common signs and causes of water damage to your attic and attic insulation.
Common Signs
Water damage often takes an expensive toll on a home before the homeowner even notices there is a problem. This is especially true in attics, which are often among the least traveled spaces of your home. Here are a few common signs that there is moisture in your attic damaging your attic insulation:
- Musty Smell
- Ice on cold surfaces in the wintertime
- Foggy windows
- Condensation on windows
- Discoloration on insulation and structure
- Visible mold or mildew
Roof Leaks
Even a very small leak can do a great deal of damage. Sometimes, they are so small that evidence of the leak is not visible in the home’s living quarters. Attics are often the first place to show signs of a leaky roof.
Pipes
Pipes that run through the attic can spring a small leak that goes unnoticed, even while damaging your attic insulation and becoming a source of mold. It’s not just a leaky pipe that can be a culprit; attic pipes should also be checked regularly to ensure that water vapor is not condensing on cold pipes and dripping onto insulation below. Even without a specific leak, a sweating, dripping pipe can cause a lot of damage over time.
Foundation Leaks
While it may sound strange, a leaky foundation can create moisture in an attic. Water from the ground can easily travel through basement or crawlspace floors and walls. This water then evaporates into the air inside the house and travels to the attic through “bypasses.” A bypass is any area where warm air flows into the attic. These bypasses can be anything from openings around light fixtures to cracks in the ceiling. Over time, these small passageways can allow an enormous amount of warm moist air into the attic.
Exterior Ventilation
Attics should be properly ventilated to the outside so that moist air does not become trapped. This is particularly important during times of high outdoor humidity. However, attic vents sometimes stop working, often because they are blocked by debris such as leaves or nests.
Interior Ventilation
Moisture from appliances like clothes dryers – and from areas like the kitchen or bathroom – commonly leads to problems in the attic. Sometimes ventilation pipes are inadequate or become disconnected, causing warm, moist air to be pumped into the attic rather than outside.
Ask Us About Attic Insulation
All of the above examples are just a few ways water can damage your attic insulation. If you have a question about your attic insulation or any insulation needs, get in touch with Valley Insulation Services. Contact us today for expert assistance for your home.
