With spring arriving early in Mid-Ohio, many Ohio homeowners are dealing with moisture issues in the attic. As you inspect your attic for damage, it's important to know what to look for as well as how to deal with it.
Signs of Moisture Issues
Moisture issues in the attic can be caused by a number of factors, including ice dams, clogged gutters, damaged roofs and improper insulation or ventilation. Some of the most common signs that indicate moisture issues include:
- Mold and mildew on your ceiling, walls and other attic surfaces.
- Warped or rotting wood in any part of your attic.
- Bubbled paint.
- Wet insulation, especially near eaves.
Your Options Moving Forward
If you find moisture in your attic, your first impulse might be to clean up the damage. But this can be a waste of time and effort if you don't fix the underlying problem. Steps to fix and avoid attic moisture issues include:
- Make sure your roof is durable and waterproof. While it's very important for your roof to be well-built from the start, it doesn't hurt to add weatherproofing materials later on.
- Seal air leaks into your attic. If warm, humid air from your kitchen, bathroom and other parts of your house leaks into your attic, it can wreak havoc with attic humidity levels. Use caulk and spray foam to ensure a tight seal between your attic and the floor below.
- Make sure your attic is well-insulated. Insulation in your attic is not only good for energy-efficiency, it's also an important defense against ice dams, which are one of the most common causes of winter roof leaks in Ohio homes.
- Insure proper ventilation. Moisture builds up very easily in a poorly ventilated space, and an attic without good ventilation is a recipe for mold and water damage. Contact a professional to see how you can improve your attic's air flow and avoid moisture issues.
For more information on attic moisture issues, contact Joe Behr Plumbing & Heating. We've been serving the Mid-Ohio area since 1965.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about attic moisture and other HVAC topics, visit our website.
Joe Behr Plumbing and Heating, Inc. services the Mid-Ohio area.
