Differentiating Between Roof Leaks and Condensation

differentiating roof leaks condensation

When it comes to roofing, the last thing home and building owners want to hear about is leaks. Roofing leaks can cause major issues for any building they’re present in, from major water damage and roof replacement up to the risks of mold, mildew, rot and other results.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re here to help with any and all leak-related areas. Our roofing repair services include repairing everything from basic leaks up to larger and more problematic ones, but they also include one are some don’t consider: Determining whether the moisture you’ve noticed is truly a sign of a roof leak, or whether it might be due to condensation in the home. Let’s take a look at the common signs of each.

differentiating roof leaks condensation

Signs of Condensation

Condensation refers to a condition that forms when cold surfaces are contacted by moisture present in the air. The most common place to see condensation is on the windows – improperly insulated windows can allow bits of cold air to pass through into a building, for instance, and this air then comes into contact with the inside of the cold window.

When it comes to moisture in the home that you’re worried could be a roof leak, how do you tell whether this is the case or it’s condensation? For one, consider the location of the moisture – if it’s in a place where you’d expect there to be plenty, such as the bathroom or the kitchen, chances are this is just condensation taking place. Other common areas are light fixtures, vents, windows and skylights.

Signs of Leaks

Now, if you notice this moisture in less common areas, particularly if you see it coming from the ceiling located directly below a roof, you may have actual roof leaking issues. There are two ways to determine for sure if this is the cause of your moisture issues:

  • Circle your property on the ground and visually check the roof for damage, such as missing shingles or cracks. Unless you’ve been up there before with a professional or are certified to do so, do not risk your safety by climbing up onto the roof itself.

  • If you have an attic, go up into it on a sunny day. Check around various spots of the roof and see if you notice sunlight coming through from outside – if light can get through, so can water, so you should immediately call our pros about repair.

Proper Response

Now, it’s important to note that while condensation is not as serious as a roof leak, it’s still an issue that can cause water damage over time. You should take steps to improve your insulation and ventilation if you determine condensation is adding to the moisture in your home. And of course, if you determine that the source of moisture is actually a roof leak, call our experts right away to see about roof repair.

For more on telling roof leaks apart from condensation, or to learn about any of our roofing repair services, speak to the pros at The Roof Doctor today.

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