Water stains on your ceiling are a sign of nothing else but trouble. You might be worried about a probable leak and what will happen once it occurs inside your home. While most water stains signify a roof leak, not all of them are.

You may find symptoms associated with a roof leak on your ceiling. If you see water stains, it’s best to contact a roofing company to determine the cause. Professionals can quickly address your problem and let you know about any issues that you may unknowingly have. If it is a roof leak, they can fix it soon for you, but if, on the other hand, that it’s attic rain, there are a few things you should know.

What Is Attic Rain?

Attic rain or condensation is a serious problem that needs to be addressed fast, or else it will be worsened by weather and other external factors. That includes the age of your roof, maintenance issues, and other concerns. It can be tricky to identify the problem and fix it when all you see are the symptoms. You need professional roofers to unravel the problem source and solve it.

Usually, attic rain presents as frozen water droplets or frost on your attic ceiling. It is caused by an accumulation of moisture in the area, which freezes due to cold temperatures. However, since temperatures in the attic could fluctuate due to weather changes, the built-up frost could melt and freeze again. That creates a freeze-thaw cycle, which is a glaring problem for your attic and your home.

Since attic rain is technically a condensation problem, there are several ways you can do to avoid it:

1. Seal Gaps in the Attic. Seal all cracks or openings in the attic, including walls, ceiling, and outlets. These gaps could allow for temperature to permeate your home and affect the moisture levels.
2. Do Proper Air Sealing. When air sealing is done correctly, you can decrease air leaks in your attic, minimizing attic rain.
3. Unplug Appliances. Like fans, dryers, vents, and kitchen hoods, appliances left plugged in could release humidity into your attic.

How Does Condensation Happen?

Condensation happens when there is excessive or uncontrolled moisture in the home. It can be caused by everyday household activities like cooking, steaming, and bathing. Once moisture gets trapped, it collects and forms around cold surfaces, such as the gaps in your windows and ceilings, around walls with poor insulation, and the underside of your roof decking.

Aside from the attic, condensation may also form around your bathroom, kitchens, vents, light fixtures, and skylights. But your attic could be one of the most critical areas. So to prevent that, use a vapor barrier that can manage moisture at a small amount. Just keep note of its condition since a damaged vapor barrier may lead to melted frost that looks like brown stains on your ceiling.

On the other hand, if you want a long-term solution to attic rains, opt for improved ventilation or insulation in your home. Make sure that you use insulated pipes and pay extra attention to your attic.

Conclusion

Trapped moisture in your home that turns into condensation can present many problems, not just attic rain. But the latter is always a serious concern that may even compromise your health. When you see water stains on your ceiling, it’s best to consult a roofing company immediately.

If you came across a similar problem and would like to consult a professional, get in touch with MCM Home. We provide structural roof repairs in Ottawa and nearby areas. We do roof repairs, insulation, and waterproofing while abiding by local building codes and regulations to protect you from property damage and public liability. Give us a call at 780-468-9297 for Edmonton and 403-350-1609 for Red Deer.