What to Do About Water Damage in Your Attic
Wintry climates
If you live somewhere that snows in the winter, ice dams will be your biggest concern. The best way to prevent ice dams from forming is to keep the attic at least five degrees warmer than outside. If there is snow on the roof, do not attempt to remove it; you could damage your roof. Instead, check all exterior walls for staining. If you find any, act quickly to avoid further damage. Call a qualified professional and get help. If you do get ice dams, do not attempt to remove them, you could cause more damage to your roof. Besides calling a professional, you can temporarily remedy the problem by cutting grooves into the ice to allow the pooled water to drain. Just be sure to not cut all the way down to the shingles.
Ventilation
Bad ventilation can keep the attic humid causing condensation to run ramped, but this is not only place to worry about humidity. Research has indicated that humidity in the living space is a major cause of condensation in the attic. To help prevent this, be sure that the attic is sealed off from the rest of the house. If discoloration, condensation or mold is found on or around your vents, immediately trace it to the source, and repair the damage right away. It is also important to check outside for debris that may be building up on the vents.
Insulation
Insulation is going to be like a canary in a coalmine when it comes to early prevention of water damage. The most important time to check your insulation is after it has rained. Be sure to give it a good feel, even if it looks dry, because the slightest amount of moisture means you probably don’t have enough ventilation. Keeping your insulation in good condition is not only important for preventing water damage, but it will also keep your heating bill from running up, up and away.
Floor, ceiling and crawl spaces
These areas take a bit more time to check for signs of moisture, but are just as important as the rest of the attic. Be sure to use a flashlight and check thoroughly for discoloration and staining, as these will be harder to spot than rot and warping. Also, be sure to look with your hands as well as your eyes, especially around nails as they are metal and condensation will settle on them first.
Recessed lighting
Checking in and around recessed lights is one the most reliable way of detecting possible water damage. If you find corrosion or rust in the lights, be careful, it could be an electrical hazard. If you know how, turn off your power and repair the light, other wise call an electrician. Also be sure to trace the damage to its source and make all necessary repairs.
