The weather in Calgary, AB can change very quickly. Chinooks may blow in at any time. A sudden temperature change can wreak havoc on your home. Long periods of cold weather may cause moisture within your home to accumulate and form a layer of frost in your attic. When the weather warms up suddenly, this frost may melt and cause attic rain. It’s important to know the signs of attic rain and how to prevent it from occurring.
What Causes Attic Rain?
When it is cold outside, moisture from inside your home may accumulate and form frost on the underside of roof trusses and roof sheathing. You may be able to see this frost and possibly ice if you take a peak inside your attic during a cold spell. It is also important to check roof vents and on or around soffits for frost. The amount of frost is directly correlated with the humidity level in your home, how the air circulates in the attic, and the duration of the cold snap.
When Calgary experiences a Chinook, the weather can rise dramatically in a matter of a few hours. This increase in temperature combined with the strong Alberta sun can lead to the ice melting very quickly. The ice may melt faster than the ventilation system in the attic can handle. This phenomenon is called attic rain. Houses that were built more recently tend to be more energy efficient than older homes. Newer homes are designed to prevent air from escaping through the attic and roof. This will help to reduce your energy bill, however, it will cause more moisture to be trapped in the attic.
Preventing Attic Rain
These are our top tips for preventing attic rain:
- Turn down your humidifier during a cold snap by approximately 25%. This will prevent excess moisture from condensing on surfaces inside your home.
- Ensure that you have proper ventilation in your attic – especially if you live in a newer home.
- Run the ventilation fan in the bathroom during showers. Continue to run the fan until the humidity and moisture levels have lowered.
- Reduce excess heat in your home by running the kitchen exhaust fan while you are cooking.
- Monitoring the amount of snow on the roof. Excess snow may melt very quickly when the temperature rises.
- Have your attic inspected by a roofing contractor to ensure that there is the proper amount of ventilation.
Don’t Panic
If you spot signs of attic rain such as dark spots on the ceiling or moisture leaking from a light fixture, don’t panic. Place a bucket or container under the leak. Try to dry wet areas as best as possible. Put a piece of tape over a light switch to prevent you from turning on a light fixture that has moisture dripping from it. It’s very important to remember to not open the hatch to the attic and to keep it open as this will allow more moisture and humid air to travel into the attic and to worsen the problem.
Call Today
Call the roofing contractor Calgary loves! The expert roofers at Advanced Level Roofing have extensive experience in preventing attic rain and repairing any damage that might have occurred. Our roofing experts will set up an appointment at a time that convenient for you and will provide you with a free estimate. Contact Advanced Level Roofing today!
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