Attic Moisture and Roof Leaks
Not every wet spot in the attic is a roof leak. In a humid climate, condensation and poor ventilation can look a lot like one.
Request a rooferLeak signs
Stains that appear after rain, drips near penetrations and wet spots that follow the slope of the roof point to a leak.
Condensation signs
Damp spots spread across the underside of the decking, frost-free droplets on nails and musty air without rain point to moisture from inside the house.
Bathroom fans
Fans that vent into the attic instead of outdoors pour moisture into it. They should duct to the outside.
Ventilation
Blocked soffit vents or missing ridge vents trap hot, humid air. Clear airflow keeps the attic drier.
AC ducts
Uninsulated or leaky AC ducts in the attic can sweat in humid weather and drip onto insulation.
Mould
Damp wood and insulation can grow mould quickly. Find and fix the cause, then dry the area.
What to tell the roofer
When the wet spots appear, whether it rained and where you see them.
Get help
See roof leak repair.
A simple test
After a dry spell, look at the stained area. If it's dry and only gets wet after rain, the roof is the likely cause. If it's damp on dry, humid days, especially near bathroom fan outlets or ducts, moisture from inside the house is more likely.
Insulation that's settled
Wet insulation compresses and stops working well. Once the cause is fixed, replacing soaked insulation helps the attic stay drier and keeps the upstairs rooms cooler.
Keep the attic accessible
Clear a path to the attic hatch and keep a flashlight nearby. Being able to look quickly during or after a heavy rain is the fastest way to tell a roofer where water is getting in.
More roofing guides
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Repairs, replacements and storm damage. Tell us what's going on with your roof and we'll pass it straight to a roofer, who will call you to look at the job and give you a quote.
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