Have you noticed any ball-shaped frozen water droplets, frost on your attic sheathing ceiling? If you have you are most likely experiencing a condition known as ‘attic rain’. This is the difference between the internal/external temperatures what we see due to rapid cooling and heating we typically experience in Alberta.
Attic Rain happens when moisture enters the attic space and then condenses into frost, then thaws and “rains” down when weather conditions improve. Attic Rain can be very damaging to a home’s framing/structure, insulation and interior finishing because all this moisture is now still trapped inside the home.
Possible Causes of Air leaks in Attic Could be caused by:
- Inadequate air sealing techniques
- Disconnected vents, fans, dryers, kitchen hoods that are venting humidity straight into the attic space.
- High interior humidity inside home.
- Gaps in vapour barrier, warm air escaping from warm interior and cold attic space
- Low spots or missing insulation in attic space.
What to look for:
- Visual stains of frozen water droplets, frost buildup on attic framing/sheathing members.
- Staining around recessed lighting, attic hatches and bathroom fan venting performance.
- Venting termination, loose sealing through roof sheathing.
- Rusting nails in attic space
- Staining, (yellow) discolouration on insulation in attic.
- Siding below soffit area (exterior), visible staining.
- Attic venting material used, quality of materials and performance.
Hot to Fix it:
- Sealing any humid air leaks or venting into the attic space to prevent moisture transfer.
- Checking hard to reach areas and add additional insulation.
- Where walls meet attic floors, and under kneewells.
- Caulk around wires and cables to reduce airflow.
- Control interior humidity levels with temperatures dip dramatically.
* Always consult a qualified building envelope professional for additional advice and solutions.
Even newer homes are also at a risk of developing Attic Rain are sealed tight and also are insulated higher on new builds. Controlling the amount of moisture inside a home is extremely important and not watching the interior humidity levels can lead to larger damages.
Always choose an inspection who is through and is able to explain his findings. Always look for someone who provide you with solutions and is able to effectively explain all your deficiencies in your home.