The presence of humidity in your home can contribute to significant and even expensive roofing issues that are difficult and expensive to address.
Left unchecked, these issues can negatively impact the performance and longevity of one’s roof. As such, it is vital that roofers check for any signs of heat or moisture damage when carrying out maintenance or routine inspections.
Request an Appointment!
Yes, Humidity Can Affect Your Roof During Winter Too!
While heat and humidity are often associated with the summertime, they can be a major concern during the winter months.
For example, activities such as cooking, taking a shower, and doing laundry can all produce humidity in the air. This phenomenon coupled with the fact that we are more likely to keep the windows closed during the winter months (with the heat on) is the ultimate recipe for the development of condensation on the underside of the roof.
The Effects of Humidity on Roofing Systems
Mold Growth
High levels of humidity in the attic can create the ideal conditions for mold growth. Eventually, this mold will compromise the roof’s structures and wooden parts, drastically reducing its longevity.
Compromised roofs will undoubtedly be susceptible to damage and will eventually require repair or full replacement. If you suspect mold growth damage, contact our team today at (713) 396-3951.
Heat Damage
If the attic becomes excessively humid and fills up with hot air, the warm temperature could affect the shingles from the underside. Over time, these covers will start to curl or “pop,” leaving the roof exposed to the elements.
A roof with compromised shingles can be more easily penetrated by water in the deeper levels of the roofing system, further exacerbating mold growth, rot, and overall wood damage. Request an appointment today, and LOA Construction can help you mitigate heat damage.
How to Regulate Humidity in Your Home
Create Conditions for Proper Ventilation
Having proper ventilation is vital for regulating humidity levels in the attic, which will ultimately protect the roofing system in the long run. Creating the conditions for proper ventilation ensures that air can circulate properly, preventing warm air from accumulating under the roof and causing damage.
Taking these measures can help homeowners avoid issues such as mold growth and excess heat, protecting their shingles and other roofing components from damage over time. Experienced roofers can make a recommendation on ventilation systems for any roof based on the home’s layout, location and climate, and other factors.
Invest in Roof Repairs
It is paramount that homeowners not wait on roof repairs and get to them right away. Addressing these issues early on will prevent humidity from getting to a point that requires drastic measures. Failing to make repairs in time will further contribute to the roof’s deterioration, leading to a situation that requires full replacement (very costly).
As such, it is vital to have roofing systems damaged by mold growth or heat damage checked out by experts. The team at LOA Construction has years of experience in working on roofing systems, windows, and other exterior features of the home.
How Humidity Affects Your Roof During Winter: Common FAQs
What is the ideal humidity in a home?
As a general rule of thumb, the humidity level in your home should be anywhere between 30-50%. Not only is this an ideal range for regulating mold growth, but it is also a good range for staying cool and comfortable in your home throughout the year.
What is the ideal humidity level in a house in winter?
You'll want to feel cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and humidity plays an important role in the level of comfort in your home. During the winter months, specifically, your home should have an approximate 30-40% humidity level. By contrast, during the summer months, you'll want to keep the humidity level at around 40-50%.
Why is high humidity bad in winter?
Ultimately, when there is too much moisture in your home, left unchecked, it can lead to significant damage in your insulation, walls, and attic. Water from your roof can also seep in and cause mold and mildew damage. Signs of high humidity may include condensation on windows, wet spots on walls and ceilings, or unsightly mold growth in the corners of your home.
What should attic humidity be in winter?
During the winter, your attic humidity level should be around 35-50%. To help monitor humidity levels in your attic, you should check with a roofing or indoor air quality expert for recommendations for your attic's square footage. They will likely recommend a hydrometer (a small device that's similar to a thermometer), to measure dampness levels (i.e., 30 = moderately damp, 50 = highly damp, 70 = wet). Check out the best hydrometers here.
Why Choose LOA Construction Help Tackle Humidity in Your Home?
Humidity can have a severely negative impact on roofing systems. As homes are often well-heated in the winter months, homeowners should be particularly mindful during this season. Having a properly ventilated home is vital for its long-term survival.
The best way to guarantee that one’s home is protected from mold and the like is to refer to a roofing specialist. If you're interested in roof repair or would like to learn more about protecting your roof, feel free to contact us here at LOA Construction, a top roofing company in Austin, San Antonio and Houston areas.
At LOA Construction, we perform general construction services such as water restoration. Our thorough inspections of the home and roof ensure there will be no surprises down the line. Request an appointment today!