The Causes of Water Damage in your Attic

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

Water and moisture in your attic left unmitigated can turn into a costly repair process and a breeding ground for mold.

Causes of Water Damage in your Attic

Water and moisture in your attic left unmitigated can turn into a costly repair process, not to mention the risk of mold growth. To stop water damage in your attic, you must first know what causes moisture in the first place. Some common causes of moisture in your attic are:

Roof Leaks: roof leaks are a common cause of water getting into your attic. Check the wood and insulation for discolorations or mold growth. Make sure you inspect the roof for cracks and leaks. Also, be sure to check in the area around the plumbing stacks as well as your downlight canisters for any rust or corrosion- which is a sign that there might be moisture.

Improper Insulation in the Attic: Always make sure the insulation in your attic floor and around your heating ducts are in good shape. Insulation should be thick, soft and dry- otherwise it can create high moisture conditions. If your insulation looks thin and wet, replace it immediately. If your attic is improperly insulated in the winter time, ice dams could form on the edges of your roof that could cause water damage.

Improper Ventilation in the Attic:  When you have improper ventilation in your attic, the amount of moisture increases. Condensation can build up in your attic due to warm air rising and then cooling on cold surfaces. If your attic doesn’t have suitable ventilation, that condensation can’t escape. Also, be sure that the openings of your vents aren’t blocked by insulation.

Improper Ventilation of Appliances: Always be sure to properly ventilate your appliances. Vents in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room should always blow air outside as appose to in the attic.

Attic Appliance Failures: Be sure to always check the appliances in your attic whenever you do an inspection. This includes air conditioners, swamp coolers and HVAC systems. If any of your appliances fail they may cause water damage in your attic.

If you see any mold or water damage in your attic, SERVPRO® of Plymouth/Wareham is here to help. We have highly trained water restoration and mold remediation technicians available 24/7; ready to restore your home back to its pre-mold and pre-water damage condition.

Call us Today! (508) 746-9500