Why Attics are Problem Areas

Attics can be a trap for moisture and mildew, and even prematurely ruin your shingles. Heat rises. So the heat and humidity from your home makes its way up into the attic. This makes the area extra hot and moist. In the winter, when warm air rises into your attic and there's not proper roof venting to pull it up and out, it can cause your roof to warm up and the snow on your roof can start to melt. As the melt runs down the sides, it runs from a warm roof to the colder edge of the roof. This can cause an ice dam, or a ridge of ice, on the edge of your roof that causes water to be held in place.

Ice can build up inside the attic, too, when the moisture cools enough to freeze. In some cases where the condensation is bad enough, it can actually seem to rain inside your attic, with moisture dripping from the ceiling. The water damage this can cause will cost much more to repair than it would cost to invest in good roof venting to prevent it.

Roof Venting Systems

All roof venting systems have to have both intake and exhaust vents that let fresh air in and pull stale air out. There are situations where a certain type of vent can't be used on a specific roof. You'll want to look at the roofing vents you're considering purchasing to see the manufacturer's recommendation for your home. Depending on the square footage of your home, you may need several vents. A good ideal venting plan allows for a foot of vent per 150 square foot of your home. Check with your local building codes to be sure you don't go below any minimum requirements.

Roof vents are very inexpensive, especially compared with the hundreds or thousands of dollars it would cost to repair the damage caused by poor ventilation. Look at the manufacturer's instructions to find the best vent for your specific type of roof.

Types of Roof Venting

Gable vents are the vents you see on the wall of a home below the roof peak. These allow air to escape. Soffit vents go below your eaves on the surface that makes up the floor of your attic. Turbine vents actively move air because they're operated by wind power which turns them and pulls air up and out of the attic. Another option is power roof venting. These run electrically or on solar power. They contain a thermostat that tells them when to kick on and kick off to keep the attic at an ideal temperature to prevent moisture problems.

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Originally posted 2009-09-05 06:36:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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1) Surface Drainage -

This problem is the most frequently cited problem that homeowners face. It is the back up or slower than standard drainage of surface water, and it is responsible for the number one household malady - water in the basement.

2) Electrical Wiring -

This common problem is the result of insufficient overload protection, insufficient electrical supply and home wired connections, which are potentially dangerous to occupants.

3) Roof -

This ailment is the result of degraded or damaged shingles, which causes roof leakage. Flashing that was improperly installed can also be a problem.

4) Heating -

This category includes such items as a defective, non functioning thermostat, chimney blockage, and an unsafe venting of exhaust away from the home.

5) Overall Maintenance -

This is where various areas of easy to repair items accumulate, such as makeshift fixes for wiring or plumbing, broken fixtures, cracked and peeling painted surfaces, and degraded masonry.

6) Structural Issues -

This category covers damage sustained by load bearing, structural components, such as the foundation, floor joists, rafters, support beams, headers around doors and windows, and much more.

7) Plumbing -

Plumbing problems rank high when it comes to issues of the home. This includes the presence of old and outdated materials, defective or damaged fixtures, problems with the septic system or sewer lines, and so forth.

Exterior-

Problems with the exterior of the home, such as for doors, windows and outer surfaces, allow atmospheric heat and humidity penetration, although they do not have much of an impact on the overall structure. Caulking and weather striping are the usual suspects when it comes to issues of the exterior.

9) Ventilation-

It is frequently the case that individuals will over seal their home in an effort to have a more efficient air system. This results in the excessive build up of moisture, however, leading to rotting of structural elements.

10) Miscellaneous-

This catchall category covers cosmetic issues that were not cited enough to gain its own category.

The results of the survey are dependent upon the age of the home and the area it is located in. Homes in the desert do not have as strict regulations on rain protection than in Chicago for example. For the homeowner, it is important to go through the home and review various sections of the home in relation to these categories. They should avoid any self repairs if their skill level is not considered to be up to standards, especially when it comes to wiring and plumbing. Fix what you can before the inspection, and you may avoid having to do the same procedure twice.

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Originally posted 2009-01-21 05:56:25. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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One of the biggest offenders when it comes to mold growth is the basement. Even if you have a finished basement, there are still risks for having excess moisture down there, and as such, the potential for mold. Dirt basements and under home crawlspaces should not be overlooked. Standing water can be a big problem with this type of basement, and you may never even know it is there.

So, what can you do to make sure that you’re not living over a health hazard? First, you will need to determine whether or not you have any damp areas in your basement. The best time to look is right after a rain storm. Go down to the basement and start feeling the walls, stopping every foot and a half or so to check. Don’t just rely on your visual skills, since there may only be slight dampness.

If you feel any sort of water, condensation or you can actually see puddles or water stains, the time to take action is right now. Most homes that are in a flood plain or very wet area come with sump pumps, but this won’t help much for a simple damp area. The first place to start is ventilation.

Proper ventilation reduces condensation and helps water evaporate properly. If you don’t have a big problem with dampness but you do notice a few areas that could use some help, this may be the issue. Consider installing a ventilation system into your basement to solve this problem.

Next, if the area is not bad or if you cannot locate the source of the leak, installing a basement dehumidifier can be a great and easy fix. Some homes now have whole house dehumidifiers, but even a simple unit can do the trick. Make sure that you place the dehumidifier away from a source the water to avoid electrocution and check to make sure the unit is rated for your space.

If all of this fails, you may need to seal the walls of your basement. Check with a contractor before you start this and make sure that you read the directions carefully before proceeding. While this isn’t the perfect fix, it may be the only solution for chronically damp basements. Typically, using a mix of these techniques is very beneficial and will dramatically reduce the humidity and dampness of your basement.

You may also want to have an air quality test done in your basement if dampness has been a problem for more than a few months. These tests will help determine if mold is already present in your basement.

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Originally posted 2008-09-03 05:25:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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