Are you having recurring attic leak issues in your home? Here’s what you need to know and do!
Attic leakage is a common problem that many residents of Greer, Greenville, Taylors and all over the upstate have to deal with at some point or another. There are two types of leaks that can occur: air leak and water leak. The resulting water damage is caused by both of these leaks, because air leak also allows the moisture to enter the attic.
The signs of water leaks are pretty obvious in the form of water stains, mold formation, and dampness of walls and the entire area. On the other hand, the air leak is a little less obvious and often takes a long time to notice and identify. The damage from both types of leakage is dangerous for the overall structure of your attic and home.
Keep reading to learn more about attic leaks!
How to identify leaks?
The first step in dealing with an attic leak problem is to find out the location of the leakage. It can be challenging to find the source of water in the attic, especially if the source is hidden behind the insulation. Just remember that water always flows downwards. It will help you trace its origin.
Attic leaks often occur close to the features that trespass the roof sheathing. So, look for the source around plumbing vents, chimneys, cable installation holes, ventilation system ducting, attic vents, etc. Basically, any gap or crack in the attic could become a source of a leak.
How to stop leaks in the attic?
Before you can restore and repair the water damage, you’ll have to identify the cause of the attic leak. These leaks are often caused by water condensation, roof failure, ice dams, and buildup of frost in the attic. If any of these are the causes of your attic leak, then you should consider replacing your roof structure. Ice dams happen when the snow melts, refreezes and melts once more. This allows the moisture to penetrate through the sheathing. Poor insulation is another common cause of the occurrence of ice dams.
If the attic leak is caused due to condensation as a result of venting the humid air, then consider using your kitchen and bathrooms for ventilation instead. Moreover, you should also consider adding extra insulation around the areas of the leak. You can use spray foam insulation to insulate areas that are hard to reach. This provides an additional layer of coverage.
Preventing attic leaks
Attic leaks do not occur out of nowhere; they develop over time. You can always prevent a leak point from growing by identifying it early on. You can do this by regular visual inspection of your attic. Assess your attic at least once a month for any missing or broken pieces and deteriorating shingles. Always look for signs of mold growth and rotting.
Consider hiring a professional water damage restoration company for both inspection and restoration services.
Do you require water damage restoration services in Greenville, SC? Visit our website today!
