Keeping your attic permanently dry often feels like a mission. It’s not always straightforward to prevent water penetration, particularly if you live in an area prone to rain storms.
The trick here is to be systematic in your approach. Instead of assuming everything will be hunky-dory, you need to be vigilant and assume the worst.
So, what should be on your itinerary?
Check The Waterproof Membrane
Most roofs have waterproof barriers or membranes. These help to keep the majority of moisture out of the attic area.
You’ll want to check this regularly to ensure that it can still protect against rain and leaks. Sometimes, you will find it does its job, but other times it doesn’t. If this happens, look at whether there is damage to the material. Membranes have a limited shelf life.
Inspect For Pests
You can also keep your attic dry by inspecting it regularly for pests. Critters have a nasty habit of eating through all the material that keeps it moisture-free.
You can usually tell if you have termites in your wood because it is soft to the touch and deforms easily in the hands. You can also see it visually.
If you find droppings, that suggests you have a rodent issue. Mice and rats are a problem because they will often chew through roofing materials to make their nests.
If you have a pest problem, call out the exterminator. Pest removal companies should eliminate the infestation and then seal up any gaps that might be letting the critters in.
Replace Your Asphalt Shingles
Replacing your asphalt shingles is another thing to consider if you want to keep your attic dry as a bone. Asphalt is usually okay for the first ten years, but after that, it begins to degrade. UV light and heat strip it of the heavy hydrocarbons that keep it supple, causing it to crack and fray.
Fortunately, metal roofing doesn’t have the same drawbacks. While it is noisier than asphalt, it is also longer-lasting, which is why so many commercial facility operators use it.
There’s usually a metal roofing supplier in your area. These experts can provide in-depth guidance, far more so than a conventional building contractor.
Control Humidity
Even if you don’t have any holes in your roof, you can still get into trouble with water damage because of humidity. Droplets can condense on your rafters, the inside of your tiles, and even your insulation if it gets cold in places, leading to mold and rot.
You want the humidity in the attic to be around 50%, if not lower. This level means that excess moisture will stay in the air instead of forming a basis for organics to begin growing.
You can solve humidity issues by opening up vents in the roofing area, allowing air to pass through (but not water). You can also consider renting a powerful dehumidifier. These run for several days in your home, drawing out all the excess moisture from the walls and surrounding building materials.
