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Is Humidity Wrecking Your Roof--And Your Health?

April 13, 2017

Anyone who has lived in the Kansas City area for long knows that humidity is a way of life once the winter freeze gives way to summer’s rays. It’s important not to look the affect that humidity has when it comes to shortening the lifespan of your roof. Elementary science classes tell us that heat rises, so it’s vital to look at the role your attic might be playing in allowing humidity to build up and cause damage to your home. Humidity can also cause mold and mildew to grow in your attic, possibly affecting your family’s health. Here’s how to do a quick check for problems related to humidity:

Inspect your ventilation systems. Proper ventilation is the single most important factor when it comes to keeping humidity levels in check. If your roof is not ventilated properly, the humidity inside your attic can become trapped, and over time this can lead to mold and mildew growth. It can also lead to pressure buildup, which can warp your roofing structures if left untreated. RSG Construction recommends installing a new ventilation system when you replace your roof to remediate the issue. In the meantime, installing an attic fan or setting your furnace fan to “on” instead of “auto” in the summertime might help to decrease humidity.
Check your insulation. Humidity can enter your attic through your home below. Rooms that typically produce high levels of humidity include bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. If there isn’t enough insulation between your home and attic, the humidity from these rooms can travel into your attic and cause issues. Add insulation if necessary to these areas to prevent further damage.
Inspect your roof. If your roof is leaking, excess moisture can enter your attic. Signs of humidity include black streaks in the wood, or mold or mildew growth. If you see these signs, call a professional roofing company like RSG construction to complete a full evaluation of your roofing system and provide recommendations.

Reducing humidity in your attic will not only add years to the lifespan of your roof, but it will help eliminate mold and mildew, resulting in better health for you and your family. If you’d like a roofing inspection to see if your attic is harboring excess humidity, give the team at RSG a call at 816-866-4235 or just click HERE to schedule your complimentary consultation.