Published on: January 17, 2025
If you’re seeing condensation in your home, you should evaluate the problem. If left unchecked, condensation could destroy your drywall or ceiling. Two major culprits that allow condensation in your home are the siding and roofing. But you should complete a full home evaluation to ensure you solve the problem.
Water in your home is not normal. Whether you’re seeing condensation or precipitation in your home, you should complete a full evaluation regardless of how old your roofing, siding and gutters are. Improper installation can lead to moisture problems even if you’ve recently replaced these exterior features.
Review this list of reasons you might be seeing moisture in your home.
1. Roof leak: When your roof is missing shingles or damaged in some way, it can allow water to get to your home. Evaluate your home’s roof. If you don’t have experience getting on a roof, you should call a professional as walking on a roof presents many dangers.
2. Damaged flashing: Your home’s flashing protects joints and seams. When flashing gets damaged or wears out, it allows water behind your siding.
3. Worn-out or clogged gutters: Gutters that don’t move water away from your home are serious cause for concern. They then allow water to flow down your walls, which gives the water a chance to get behind your siding, even if the siding is in good shape. Part of your fall clean up should include gutter cleaning and review to ensure they are in good shape.
4. Improper siding installation: Siding installation is very precise. If your contractor completes the project incorrectly, it can leave gaps where water can flow, reaching your home’s walls. Every siding manufacturer has different requirements for siding installation. Be sure your contractor is skilled at installing the siding you want on your home and licensed to do so before selecting the contractor.
5. Damage or cracks in the siding: As your siding wears, it might begin to sag and crack. When this happens, it leaves you vulnerable to water behind the walls. Look for visible cracks or signs of wear that could be allowing moisture into your home.
6. Poor insulation: Homes that are not insulated well can allow condensation buildup. Inadequate insulation or poor ventilation can lead to moisture buildup, which will damage your walls with time.
Ceiling condensation is not uncommon. But that’s not to say it is normal and healthy for your roof. Condensation occurs when there is a difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures. The reason it is cause for concern is that it’s a sign of poor insulation and ventilation.
When your home retains humidity, it can allow mold to grow, which can make for dangerous living conditions and eventually lead to problems with your home’s building materials.
Internal moisture is common in the kitchen and bathrooms where steam is a natural part of living. However, if you’re seeing consistently wet spots in your home, you should evaluate whether you have a larger problem.
Ceiling condensation can come from the following roofing problems.
Your roof’s insulation is there to prevent your home’s treated air from escaping and avoid letting untreated air in. If your insulation was insufficient at the time of installation or if it has worn down with time, it can allow outdoor air and indoor air to mix. Those drastic temperature differences can cause condensation to form. While insufficient roofing insulation can come from roofing, it can also come from windows and doors. Review your home’s insulating properties everywhere before paying for a new roof and assuming it will solve the problem.
Your ceiling’s condensation problem might have nothing to do with your roof and instead be due to indoor moisture levels, which you can manage more affordably with alternative methods. Use a humidity sensor in your home to find your indoor humidity levels. If the humidity is above 50%, you might have a problem. Turn down your humidifier or use a dehumidifier to manage the humidity levels in your home. Alternatively, you can open the windows to allow some humidity to escape on days when the outside humidity is lower than the inside humidity.
Over the last few decades, energy efficiency has been a major buzzword for home building. And for a home to be energy efficient, it needs to be airtight. While this is good for protecting your treated indoor air, it can allow moisture to get trapped in your home. When that air gets trapped, it can lead to condensation, and eventually mold. Opening your windows to promote airflow can help. Consider running your HVAC fan to allow your home’s air to circulate. Use the exhaust fan in bathrooms and the hood fan in your kitchen to keep these naturally moist areas ventilated.
Old windows are another major contributor to in-home condensation. If your home’s windows or doors are old, you should evaluate the seals to see if an upgrade might help protect your home.
You might be able to put new weatherstripping on your doors to avoid replacing them completely. But if your exterior doors are 20-30 years old, a replacement might provide the best energy efficiency and moisture protection.
If you aren’t seeing condensation in your home, that’s great news. However, you should still maintain your home’s exterior to protect it from moisture buildup. Waiting for moisture to appear before replacing your roof or siding is not wise because once it’s there, it could have been present throughout your home without you knowing it.
Depending on when your home was built, upgraded insulation could be in order. Older homes did not have the same code requirements for sufficient insulation. That means you could be leaking treated air.
The attic is the easiest place to update your home’s insulating. Adding blown-in insulation to your attic can improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce indoor condensation.
Smart home thermostats offer insights into your home’s indoor humidity while also helping you save on your energy bills by dynamically adjusting the indoor temperature when you are home and away.
But if you aren’t ready to upgrade your thermostat just yet, you can get a humidity sensor for your home. This will tell you what rooms have the highest humidity and where you should start with controlling that humidity.
Installing vents and exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens can help move moisture outside from areas that are naturally moist. Clean all ducts regularly to allow your air to flow freely throughout your home. Change air filters as needed to keep your system running smoothly.
Knowing where to start with condensation problems can be challenging as a homeowner. Call in the professionals for a full roofing and siding evaluation. 2FL Windows, Siding and Roofing can help you pinpoint the cause of your indoor humidity to solve your condensation problems. Get your free in-home estimate now to protect your home and your investment.
Further Reading:
Read the latest articles about windows.
