Ward off attic rain this upcoming winter season

By Alberta Allied Roofing Association. 

Learn how to spot attic rain in your home and prevent further damage.  

Leakage and attic rain are often difficult to notice when you do not spend much time in your attic. Before realizing it, rain can seep into the ceilings and walls and cause considerable damage. Moisture finds a way to enter the home and can ruin much of the materials used in the home construction. Attic rain can cause homeowners many problems, but it is preventable. Alberta Allied Roofing Association (AARA) has prepared the information to identify attic rain and intercept indoor water damage before it’s too late. 

What is attic rain? 

In cold winters, moist air accumulates in the attic then freezes along the roof deck. The frost typically melts into the insulation and evaporates without causing a problem. If there is poor ventilation, the condensation remains, refreezes and thaws with each passing cold snap. Homes are especially vulnerable to this rain-like effect during long stretches of freezing temperatures. It also depends on how quickly a warm-up follows a freeze. 

Homeowners who live in damp climates, like Alberta, aren’t strangers to condensation issues. Metal and glass surfaces tend to collect condensation when the temperature outside is much colder than inside. Attic rain is slightly different. Not only is condensation trapped, but more moisture from improperly sealed kitchen appliance vents or bathroom exhaust fans may be pumped into the attic. It usually indicates possible insulation, vapor barrier or ventilation issues throughout the attic.  

Unless you check your attic periodically throughout winter, you may not be aware of attic rain. Homeowners usually spot water damage on the ceiling and mistakenly think it’s a roof leak. Greg Garcia, president of AARA member Elite Roofing, told CTV News, “It’s not a huge problem, don’t panic,” said Greg. “You’ll see a little bit of water and maybe some stain here and there. Call your roofing company just to make sure everything is fine.”