Preventing Attic Water Damage

6/23/2017 (Permalink)

PREVENTING ATTIC WATER DAMAGE

Your attic may not be a place you check for damage often, but water damage can creep up on you.

Attics can suffer from both water or air leaks, but water leaks are much more damaging and dangerous. Water damage in your attic can have some pretty obvious signs, such as darkened water stains, dark mold on the ceiling of your home, or missing flashing on the roof itself. Air leaks can lead to water damage over time as well though, so you need to be sure to take care of both of them. Here are some tips on preventing attic water damage in your attic.

Where Are Leaks?

Tracking down attic leaks can be difficult due to insulation blocking the source of the problem. Look for stains and remember, water travels downhill, so if you see a stain somewhere just look up. Some problem areas for water damage in attics include chimneys, plumbing vents, attic vents, holes for internet or cable installation, wires, and ducting for vents. Even the smallest gap can be a source of attic water damage.

Why Do They Happen?

It all depends on the source of the failure. Sometimes your roof can be damaged, or if your gutters are broken, that could lead to the pooling of water. This is especially problematic during the colder months when ice can build up over time then suddenly melt and all pour in at once. Rain, like we’ve been getting plenty of lately, can also lead to leaks, but these are usually pretty easy to discover. You may need to change the shingles or, if your roof is old enough, the entire roof may need to be replaced.

Solving Water Leaks

Be sure to have your roof inspected annually and try to regularly maintain your gutters. If possible, try venting humid air from kitchens and bathrooms outside instead of going straight into the attic. Ask a contractor to spray foam insulation into areas that you think may be problematic. If you caulk around wires and cables, it will prevent air leaks, which could prevent long-term attic water damage.

Experienced Attic Water Damage?

If you’ve been hit by water damage, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can help professionally restore any damaged areas. If you just have questions about disaster prevention, let us know too. Being properly prepared is essential for your safety and well-being.

Call the professionals at  SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby. We have certified licensed restoration technicians on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 502.241.6861