Attic rain is a newsworthy topic and attic rain cases are on the rise in Calgary during the winter months due to frigid temperatures and extended cold snaps. The cold snaps experienced in Calgary can last as long as 10 days and cause attic rain issues in many homes. Attic Rain is more common than homeowners realize, and often goes undetected until water is found in light fixtures or damage is visible on the ceiling.
Calgarians need to understand what causes attic rain and what steps can be taken to minimize it and protect your home.
What is Attic Rain?
Attic rain occurs when warm, humid air from inside the home becomes trapped in the attic and freezes to the underside of the roof deck due to the cold temperatures outside. Attic rain is more common during long stretches of frigid temperatures because frost continues to build up until the temperature outside warms up enough to allow the frost to melt. This could result in a couple of weeks of frost build-up which may all melt at the same time depending on the temperature swing.
What Are The Signs of Attic Rain?
Water droplets on the underside of the roof decking are the most common sign of attic rain.
There are several other signs that attic rain may be present in your home, including:
- Water stains on the ceiling
- Visible condensation on attic surfaces
- Water drips from light fixtures
- Wet insulation
- Mould or mildew growth
- Musty odours in the attic
Are you experiencing attic rain? If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to have your attic inspected by a professional to determine the extent of the problem. Contact us today, and we will provide you with a free attic inspection to assess the insulation and ventilation of your attic and home.
What Causes Attic Rain?
There are several factors that can contribute to attic rain. Poor attic ventilation is the most common cause, as it allows warm, moist air to build up in the attic and creates the ideal conditions for condensation to form. Other factors include:
- Condensation Build-Up
- Leaking Roof Panels or Sections
- Insufficient Insulation
- Poor Attic Ventilation
- Leaky Windows or Doors
- Ductwork Leaks
- Ventilation Fans That Are Not Vented To The Outside
- Excess Humidity in Your Home
Why Is It Called Attic Rain?
When the temperatures outside start to warm up, the frost in the attic starts to melt and in extreme cases it starts to “rain” from the ceiling. In less extreme (and more common) cases, homeowners start to find water in and around light fixtures mounted to the ceiling and water damage on the walls and floors.
Can Attic Rain Be Prevented?
Attic rain may not be 100% preventable depending on the duration of the cold snap and building codes of your home (i.e. – vented soffit limitations), but it can be minimized by taking the following steps:
- Check the attic for any signs of leaks and make sure they are repaired promptly.
- Make sure your attic is well-ventilated. Proper ventilation will help to remove the warm, moist air from the house before it has a chance to condense on the cold surfaces in the attic.
- Ensure your bathroom fan and dryer vent are properly venting outside the home.
- Run bathroom fans during and after a shower for a minimum of 15 minutes and use hood vents when cooking.
- Control the humidity in your home and ensure it isn’t too high in the winter months.
- Make sure your attic is properly insulated.
- Have your attic and roof inspected to ensure it has adequate insulation and balanced ventilation?
- Increase attic ventilation by adding more vents or installing a solar-powered attic fan.
- Install a humidity control system. This will help to regulate the level of moisture in the air and prevent it from reaching levels that will help to prevent attic rain.
- Seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors.
- Ensure roof vents are not blocked by snow.
- Repair any leaks in the ductwork.
Solutions for Attic Rain
Hubbard Roofing & Exterior Attic Solutions can help prevent attic rain and the resulting water damage with our attic insulation and venting services.
We offer a variety of attic insulation options, including:
- Spray foam insulation
- Cellulose insulation
- Fibreglass insulation
- Rigid foam board insulation
We also offer attic ventilation solutions, such as:
- Solar-powered attic fans
- Attic vents
- Roof vents
- Soffit vents
Our attic insulation and ventilation services are designed to keep your attic at the proper temperature and humidity level to prevent condensation and attic rain. Contact us today for a free consultation!
