You May Need an Attic Repair If You Have Any of These 4 Problems
Fluctuating weather and changing seasons bring periods of humidity, heat, rain, wind, and snow. With these changing conditions come wear and tear on your roofing and attic, so you may find yourself in need of a Chicago storm restoration contractor and some attic repairs. Attic damage should be fixed as soon as possible because of the moisture accumulation, growth of mold, entrance of pests, and reduced energy efficiency that can result.
Moisture
Rust, dark stains, frost and ice on roofing nails, drip marks on the attic floor, wet insulation, and buckled roof sheathing are all indications of moisture in your attic. The accumulation of moisture is most severe when the temperatures outside are very low because air retains less moisture as the temperature declines. Excessive moisture will condense on cold areas in your attic. Depending on what is causing the excess moisture in your attic, a storm restoration contractor can improve ventilation, install seamless gutters and downspouts, seal floor slabs and foundation walls, or install a perimeter draining system.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew often cultivates as a result of roof damage, improper ventilation, and consequent moisture accumulation. A key indicator of mold in your attic is black and white staining. Luckily, mold in attics does not cause an immediate health concern for residents because heat rises in what is called the “stack effect.” Mold spores cannot overpower the natural flow of air, so their passage down into the house is rare. Attic mold may not be an urgent threat to residents, but if mold is allowed to prosper, it can cause structural deterioration in the roofing structure and attic sheathing. Hiring a trained storm restoration contractor to identify the sources of moisture is essential to the complete eradication of mold and mildew. If moisture problems are not resolved after mold is removed, the mold will return.
Improper Ventilation
Improper ventilation leads to both moisture and mold. It also results in warped and rotted structural roofing elements. Without sufficient ventilation, your house cannot “breathe.” Air flow is halted, and heat, moisture, and cold air get trapped. Signs of improper ventilation are mold, moisture, and drastic differences in temperature between your house and the attic. One solution to improper ventilation is the installation of insulation underneath the roof deck, a modification that balances temperature and humidity in the attic.
Pests
If you hear scratching noises or spot excrement, damaged insulation, missing shingles, or nesting materials, you probably have some new roommates. Squirrels and raccoons have been known to chew through roofing materials, and any critter is eager to enter your attic through an already established hole in the roof. Sealing up entry points and holes in your attic is the best way to discourage bats, mice, snakes, opossums, and skunks from moving in.
Attic damage can begin as a nuisance and grow into a much bigger problem, so if you spot any complications with your attic, contact Disaster Response Group, your Chicago storm restoration contractor.