If your house is experiencing attic rain, you should know that it could be a ventilation problem. If you are not familiar with this term, attic rain occurs when there is frost and moisture buildup in your house’s ceiling, which usually happens during the cold months. As the temperature begins to rise, the layers of ice on your attic start to melt and drip. The attic’s ventilation system should exhaust all of the accumulated moisture; however, when the ice melts faster than what the vent can accommodate, it can reach the ceiling and other parts of the house. This incident is what you call the attic rain.

This article will help every homeowner understand what attic rain is and what they are dealing with if they experience it.

The Main Causes of Attic Rain

Besides the melting ice on the ceiling, there are many other possible causes of attic rain all-year-round. Some of these are the following:

• Improper sealing of the chimney and vents
• High humidity at home
• Leaking water from daily activities, such as cooking and laundry
• Improper vent connections that cause the bathroom and other kitchen appliances to leak in the attic instead.
• House pressure 
• Hood fans in the attic that have air leaks
• Poorly sealed attic hatch
• Poorly constructed ventilation system

Signs That Your House Is Experiencing Attic Rain

You need to watch out for the following signs:

• Your ceiling is getting moisture spots and stains. This sign is mainly visible on the attic hatch, light fixtures, or near the vent. These stains are also hard to repair or replace. 
• Sometimes, you might even see melted ice inside the attic. 
• You can also assess your attic’s situation by checking the nails or screws you find in there. If you see any signs of rusting, that would quickly tell that moisture is present in the attic. 

Damages That Attic Rain Could Bring Your Home

Aside from the hard-to-fix stain marks on your ceilings, attic rain could also bring the following impairment to your ceiling. 

• Weakened Roof Deck – Water could cause your roof deck to weaken. Furthermore, the weight of the snow might cause a sagging ceiling.
• Mould Growth – Mould loves moisture. This fungal growth could both harm your house and the health of your family. 
• Electrical Damage – When there is water present near light fixtures, this could eventually lead to electrical damage. Make sure to cut the power if you notice water leaks near electrical equipment.

Conclusion

Always keep in mind that water and moisture could cause a great deal of damage to your roofing system. If you leave it addressed for a long time, it could undermine your roof’s structural integrity and result in a lot of damage. Make sure to watch out for the signs, regardless of the season. If you notice any signs in your house, make sure to address these problems immediately to avoid incurring high repair costs. Book an attic inspection and conduct the repairs necessary.

In case you need to deal with attic rain in Edmonton, MCM Home Exteriors can help. We have more than 20 years of experience fixing home problems. We ensure that only qualified installers and quality materials are used in every job. Contact us at 780.468.9297 to make sure your attic is fixed as soon as possible.