How Humidity Affects Your Roof

Excess humidity can affect your home in many different ways. Not only does it make your home feel uncomfortable, but it can also hasten the growth of mold and mildew, and damage furniture and other decorative elements in your home interiors. But did you know that high humidity levels can also affect your roof? 

Roof Damage Caused by Humidity

Proper attic ventilation is crucial to the health of your roof. Keep in mind that warm, humid air rises and stays within the attic. If not vented properly, condensation can accumulate on your roof’s wooden and metal components, including the trusses, rafters and metal fasteners. This can lead to the development of mold and rot, which can compromise the structural integrity of the whole system.

The Many Sources of Moisture

Indoor moisture comes from a variety of sources. Daily home activities like washing dishes, cooking food, doing laundry and taking hot showers release steam or water vapor into the air. Homes with heating systems that use hot water running through pipes also do the same from where these units are located (i.e. the basement). If not controlled properly, relative humidity levels may rise, leading to a wide range of issues for both your roof and home.

Protecting Your Roof Through Humidity Control

As a homeowner, it pays to keep an eye on your home’s relative indoor humidity levels. Ideally, it should be within 30% to 50% and can be monitored with the use of a hygrometer. Not only that, but there are also other ways you can reduce the amount of humidity that rises into the attic. These include:

• Ensuring proper ventilation. Have your local contractor check if your roofing system has adequate intake and exhaust vents to facilitate air circulation in and out of the attic. Common conventions call for 1 square foot of attic ventilation per 300 square feet of ceiling space.
• Invest in dehumidifiers. These devices help control relative indoor humidity by absorbing excess moisture in the air. They are available in both standalone units that fit individual rooms and whole-home types.

For your residential roofing needs, turn to Earl W. Johnston Roofing, LLC. As a trusted roofing contractor in Ft. Lauderdale, Weston and Hollywood, FL, we can perform regular inspections to help you keep abreast of any developing issues. Call us now at (954) 989-7794, or fill out our contact form to request a quote.