Condensation & Precipitation in your roof – How to avoid….
How to avoid condensation and precipitation in your roof void, attic
by Isa Stralian
Water condensation and precipitation in your roof void occurs during frost conditions, when there is no natural air movement.
And if there is a ceiling on the underside this is what could occur
This is not to be confused with that which occurs in heated pool and spa buildings where the water can be seen running down the walls and windows due to the extreme temperature differential to ambient
Some will say it’s a consequence of inadequate roof ventilation but this is not always the case
Understanding the problem
If you’ve never studied physics or natural phenomena, now may not the best time.
The exercise is how to resolve the present situation.
This moisture presence is predominant in a low pitched steel roof, under 12 degrees, that has no isolation medium (sarking) under the metal roof sheeting.
Water & Glass surfaces is where water precipitation occurs in frost conditions.
The more exposed metal you have in your roof the greater the presence of water precipitation
Roof ventilation is not the answer for addressing this problem.
Installing an isolation medium is?
Sure you can try venting the area because you don’t want to go to the trouble of addressing the problem.
In skillion and raked roof, the problem will not go away and the moisture staining of your ceiling(s) will continue.
You could use a fan to force air through the narrow gap between roofing and ceiling and I sincerely hope it works for you……it didn’t for me, and the exercise wasn’t cheap.
After 3 years of attempting to find shortcuts, ways and means, with money falling through the hole in my pocket, I ended up doing what I should have done in the first place.
Removing the sheeting and installing foil sarking……problem solved.
When you don’t know what to do, you tend to fall prey to everyone else’s opinions on the matter.
Sure ask by all means, but remember the money comes out of your pocket, not theirs.
The simplest solution is the best one, even though the task may not be appealing it will save you time and money, not to mention the bitter taste in your mouth every time an attempt doesn’t work.
When seeking a solution, look at the long term path that requires little or no maintenance with zero dependence on power.