Condensation Attic Nails

Condensation in the attic is a serious problem that must be addressed by homeowners.

Condensation attic nails.

Moist or wet insulation. This accumulation can leak through the attic floor and into your living space. Buckled or damaged roof sheathing. Condensation usually forms on the wooden beams and walls in your attic.

If left untreated it can damage critical structural elements of the home such as the trusses and rafters ruin insulation damage any stored belongings and lead to the formation of potentially toxic black mold. Attic venting consists of heavier colder air forcing its way into soffet vents and pushing warmer air out of ridge vents or deck vents placed near the ridge. It is common for poorly vented and insulated attics to develop attic condensation. A point often overlooked is that since it s winter the water freezes on the cold nails.

Good insulation is a must because it minimizes the amount of warm air entering the attic to begin with. Condensation in an attic will form first on nails that penetrate the sheathing and thus check them for evidence of corrosion. This condensation can form droplets of water and accumulate into the insulation below. The nails that you see in your attic get as cold as the outdoor temperature.

The air in the attic has water in it and it condenses on the cold metal. Moisture or frost on the roofs sheathing. This prevents the gradual buildup of heated water laden air in the attic to the point that the attic space is warmed enough to hold watervapor and present it to the ice cold nail shanks. Sometimes roofing nails that come through your roof s sheathing can be home for ice cycles.

During winters where cold rains occur you should inspect your roof to ensure there are no leaks where even a small of water can creep in. A tool like this shoots nails through shingles. Moisture frost and ice buildup on roofing nails. Water or drip marks scattered on the attic floor.

Check for drip marks on dust covered surfaces on the attic floor. Localized moisture problems particularly around penetrations and at roof valleys are likely the result of leaks and not condensation. The first signs of damage will appear in these areas there are plenty of things you can do to minimize attic condensation from occurring. Simply clip the ends of these nails to eliminate condensation from forming there.