In some cases water may actually leak through the ceiling when temperatures in the attic rise rapidly above freezing after a long cold spell which melts the frost that has formed in the attic.
Water in attic condensation.
Why is condensation on ductwork a problem.
Condensation will form in your attic if warm moisture laden air comes into contact with a cold surface.
It is common for poorly vented and insulated attics to develop attic condensation.
Condensation on your ceiling can cause water damage and promote the growth of mold or mildew.
On the other hand if there s a minor hair line crack in the pipe it could release a very small yet still damaging amount of water.
High ceiling beams and cathedral ceilings with water spots can be confused with an active leak when in fact it is a result of condensation.
When the cool air from your living space rises due to humidity in your home often from cooking bathing or drying clothes it comes in contact with the warm surface of the ceiling and.
Fixing this issue can be less costly than replacing a roof but it should be addressed as soon as possible.
This accumulation can leak through the attic floor and into your living space.
Broken water pipes may also cause trigger condensation in attics.
Most people assume this is caused by a leaking roof but that might not be the source.
Water stains resulting from roof leaks will be confined to relatively small areas while water stains caused by condensation will cover a very large area.
If the pipe is completely busted then you ll likely experience a severe flooding of the attic.
So water is condensing on your ac ducts.
When water condenses and drips into your attic or home it can cause a some serious secondary problems.
First water dripping off of your ducts and onto your insulation can cause the insulation to compress which decreases it s r value or ability to insulate.
For a more detailed explanation see my article on condensation in buildings.
Why is this a problem.
If you have ever noticed a lot of icicles hanging from the edge of your roof chances are your house is leaking significant and expensive amounts of air and heat into the attic.
Water found in these places is commonly caused by condensation in the attic.
In the real world this means moist air from your house coming into contact with the underside of your cold roof tiles or the side of your water tank etc.
While stopping a water leak or repairing a washing machine hose down in the basement might be fairly straightforward snow on the roof ice dams and attic condensation are forms of water damage typical to cold climate homes.
Excessive snow on the roof attic condensation and ice buildup can cause roof damage water damage and personal injury.
Solutions for attic condensation.
Finding water damage on the wall or ceiling is worrying for any homeowner.
Condensation on your ceiling occurs when the attic space above is poorly ventilated and insulated.
