Protecting Your Home From Attic Moisture

If your attic holds a lot of moisture, it can cause a lot of problems for the health of your home. Last week we took a deep dive into the most common culprits of humidity and this week we’ll be talking about how to remedy those issues. To get rid of moisture in your attic, you'll need to identify and address the underlying causes. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Find the source: If your attic humidity level is high, first determine what is causing the excess moisture. The most likely culprits are inadequate ventilation and insulation, roof leaks, or a plumbing issue.

2. Improve ventilation: Most houses that I visit do not have enough ventilation. It’s truly the best way to reduce moisture buildup and keep the temperature in your home more regulated year-round. 

3. Look for air leaks: Check for any gaps, cracks, or openings that might be allowing warm, moist air from your home to enter the attic. Seal these leaks with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent the transfer of moisture. It will also help if critters tend to find their way into the attic.

4. Insulate properly: Insulation helps regulate temperature and prevent condensation. Ensure your attic is adequately insulated to minimize temperature differences between the interior and exterior. Insulation is not just helpful for the winter months, it’s actually crucial year-round.

5. Assess for roof leaks: Inspect your roof for any signs of leaks or damaged shingles or if you’re not comfortable on a ladder, contact a professional. They will inspect both in interior and exterior of the home and be able to advise on appropriate repairs or replacements.

6. Address plumbing issues: If there are plumbing pipes or HVAC ducts running through your attic, check for any leaks or condensation. Repair any leaks and insulate the pipes or ducts to prevent moisture buildup.

7. Control humidity levels: Excessive humidity in your home can contribute to attic moisture problems. Use dehumidifiers in areas with high humidity, such as basements or bathrooms, to control moisture levels. Additionally, ensure your kitchen and bathroom vents are properly vented to the exterior, not into the attic.

8. Monitor and maintain: Regularly inspect your attic for signs of moisture or mildew. If you notice any issues, promptly address them to prevent further damage.

Attics are always tricky because they are so rarely occupied. However, if humidity levels increase the moisture will become a mold problem very quickly, which is hazardous to both your home’s health and yours. When in doubt, always contact a professional for guidance. A licensed contractor will be able to help remediate any problems both in the short and long term.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Attic Moisture Can Lead to Major Damage

As summer humidity begins to ramp up, it’s important to pay special attention to one of the most neglected areas of the home. Your attic can hold a lot of moisture and if it’s not insulated and ventilated correctly, that means major issues for you, the homeowner. In this two-part series, we’ll discuss how moisture can accumulate in the attic and what you can do to protect your home from serious damage. Let’s kick things off with a list of the major moisture-conducting culprits:

1. Insufficient ventilation: Without proper airflow, moisture from the living spaces below can become trapped in the attic, leading to condensation and elevated humidity levels.

2. Roof leaks: Damaged or deteriorating roofing materials can allow water to enter the attic during rain storms or snowmelt. Roof leaks can be caused by missing or cracked shingles, damaged flashing, or compromised roof seals.

3. Plumbing leaks: Plumbing pipes that run through the attic can develop leaks over time. Even a small drip or a slow leak can contribute to moisture accumulation in the attic.

4. Inadequate insulation: As hot and cold air collide, they will condensate or freeze. Without proper insulation and temperature regulation, it’s much easier for moisture to accumulate.

5. Blocked vents: Blocked or obstructed attic vents can impede proper airflow, preventing moisture from escaping. This can result in increased humidity levels and potential condensation problems.

6. Misdirected exhaust fans: If bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans are not vented directly outside, they can introduce warm, moist air into the attic space. This can cause condensation and moisture-related issues.

7. Poorly sealed attic access points: Gaps or insufficient sealing around attic access points, such as doors or hatches, can allow humid air from the lower floors to enter the attic, leading to moisture buildup.

8. Insufficient vapor barrier: A vapor barrier is a layer designed to prevent moisture from passing through walls and ceilings. If there is an inadequate or damaged vapor barrier in the attic, it can allow moisture to penetrate and cause problems.

It's important to address any water issues in the attic promptly to decrease the chances of mold growth, wood rot, or structural damage. Because most people access their attic infrequently, problems often don’t go detected until water starts showing up on the ceiling. Next week we will highlight several ways to protect your home from moisture before it's too late.  

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Put Roof Cleaning on Your Spring To Do List

A roof covered in black, streaky stains or moss growth could be much more than just cosmetically displeasing. It can also be a sign that your house can’t breathe properly. 

Algae spores get carried by the elements and once they get enough light, heat, and moisture, they begin to grow and spread. Homes that aren’t properly insulated and ventilated are most susceptible to the problem because they hold onto moisture a lot more easily than houses with proper airflow.  Once algae begin to grow on a home, it will spread very fast, resulting in black streaky staining or thick moss. 

If you have one of these problems, the first thing you want to do is find out if your issue is cosmetic or something more serious. Ideally, a homeowner should get a roof inspection at least once a year and late spring is one of the best times to do it. During an inspection, a roofing professional will check the entire surface area for shingle deterioration or damage, and cracking around the flashing. They will also ensure that water is draining properly through the gutters and downspouts. Something as simple as debris build-up can void the roof warranty, so it’s well worth having an expert come and take a look. They will be able to tell you if your stains are something that can be taken care of with simple cleaning or if there is a more significant issue.

If your staining is cosmetic, a roof cleaning takes a few hours depending on the size of the area and one application does the job without the need for pressure washing which can damage the shingles. A roofing expert will use a professional cleaner that adheres to the growth but doesn’t harm the roof or any vegetation below it. Working on a roof is a very dangerous job and I never recommend for a homeowner to do a task like this themselves unless they are very comfortable on a ladder and with heights. No home maintenance task is worth a trip to the emergency room. 

If your roof staining is showing up in the attic, your home is one of many in this area that doesn’t have the right airflow and you may want to discuss insulation and ventilation with a qualified roofing professional. Mold and algae in the attic can easily start to affect the air quality in your home, which is especially worrisome for elderly adults, young children, and anyone with respiratory issues. If you think your home might be affected, don’t put this problem on the back burner. Talk to an expert right away.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.