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.

How Do You Know When to Replace Your Roof?

When was the last time you took a good look at the condition of your roof? If it has been a while, now is the time to do it. Most roof problems are caused by snow, wind, rain, and ice, making spring the perfect season to assess for wear and tear. 

When you look at your roof, what do you see? Are the shingles intact? Is any part sagging or discolored? Are there dark spots on the outside or ceiling cracks and yellowing inside? These can all be signs of a deteriorating roof. But how long is a roof actually supposed to last, and is a new roof worth the investment? Here are some things to think about when it comes to roof replacement.

1. How old is your roof? Roofs generally last about 20 years, and the reason I say generally is that the life of the roof depends on how it was installed and if it has proper insulation and ventilation. If a roof is done correctly, it can often last longer than 20 years. If you don’t know, it’s worth finding out, especially if you recently purchased your house or are thinking about buying one.

2. Are your shingles curling, splitting, or falling off? This could be due to age and general wear and tear. If this is happening, your roof will be much more susceptible to leaks, which can cause major problems both inside and out. Take a look at where your downspouts deposit onto the ground. If there are lots of granules, that’s a sign of shingle deterioration.

3. Do you see moss or mold growing on your roof? This is a problem that could be fixed with a simple roof cleaning, or it could be a sign that you have rotting plywood and damaging moisture trapped under the shingles. A simple inspection will tell you if it’s a quick cosmetic fix or something more complex that needs to be repaired.

4. Are there yellowish-brown stains or cracks on the ceiling inside the house? This might be water damage coming from the attic which is a problem you don’t want to ignore. If leaks are already happening, they are only going to get worse. 

Many remodelers will do a roof inspection for free, so if you’re unsure about how your roof is holding up, consult with an expert. I always tell the homeowners how long I think their roof will last based on its current condition and the external environment. The number one reason roofs don’t make it through their warranty is because of poor ventilation and insulation, which will lead to premature roof aging and rot. If you’re dealing with a good roofer, they will explain all the options available to you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions 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.