Roofs And Attics

Learn about the benefits prop.

Roofs and attics.

Water stains found in the attic are common because there is always a small amount of water that will enter thru a roof vent or a ridge vent. Look for water stains on the roof sheathing or damp or moldy spots on attic joists and existing insulation as a clue to where leaks might be. Why bother insulating your roof and or attic space. Because attics fill the space between the ceiling of the top floor of a building and the slanted roof they are known for being awkwardly shaped spaces with exposed rafters and difficult to reach corners.

Roof attic structure water stains were found under the chimney this is caused from a flashing leak around the exterior of the chimney. It creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew and ruins the air trapping pockets that block heat flow. While some attics are converted into bedrooms home offices or attic apartments complete with windows and staircases most remain. Water is insulation s enemy.

Vented attics with insulation on the floor are marvels of nature and man. When the board edges are taped it can function as a vapor barrier eliminating the need for a dedicated membrane. Your roof vents may not look anything like the ones shown in this article. If you can see out water may be able to find its way in.

Every home has a roof but is every roof properly ventilated to prevent premature roof deterioration or roofing system failure. Rising as it warms air flows up from the eaves and out of ridge or gable vents carrying off moisture that may have migrated from living spaces. Here are four signs of an unventilated or under ventilated attic. That keeps your attic dry and reduces ice dams.

If you don t see any attic vents on the roof or in the eaves you need to add some. Assessments in addition to checking for structural problems check the condition of the roof framing sheathing finish and the soffit and fascia for signs of moisture problems such as leaks stains mould flaking or rot. Insulating your roof and attic space will help retain energy in your home often leading to cost savings and comfort improvement. The exception is older shake roofs.

You can sometimes see daylight through them without finding signs of leakage. Box out light fixtures. Insulating in and around your roof attic space also prevents long term damage from moisture build up or ice damming which results from the warm air trying to escape through the apex of the roof but instead heating up the snow. Look at your eaves and roof.

An attic may also be called a sky parlor or a garret. The attic is a great place to find evidence of roof leaks especially if you ve already seen potential problems on the roof. Attics or roofs without a working space are covered later in this chapter in section 5 4 cramped attics cathedral ceilings and flat roofs.