Flat Roof Condensation Problems

But with proper design and maintenance principles you don t have to sweat roof condensation issues.

Flat roof condensation problems. Problems with roof damage from condensation tend to pop up during the colder winter months. Condensation is a particular problem in roofs above rooms which generate a lot of moisture such as kitchens and bathrooms. Modern living insulation condensation and mould in times gone by houses would have had single glazing air vents built into the brickwork and open fireplaces that would have literally drawn any stale air outside. A flat roof should be designed to minimise condensation and a condensation risk analysis should be undertaken taking into account positioning of insulating materials vapour control layers ventilation thermal insulation.

If condensation becomes a problem for your roof there are several effective solutions to consider. Flat roofs are known as being problematic with many suffering leaks. The cold deck solution. Condensation is never good news for a flat roof.

Condensation will be visible on windows but not usually on walls until the problem is bad or has caused the growth of black mould. Essentially condensation occurs at night when the temperature inside a building is warmer than outside. However in my own experience the problems with leaking flat roofs are usually as a result of either poor workmanship installing the roof membrane poor maintenance by the building owner or as a result of age. Although moisture problems in the roof assembly can be due to waterproofing deficiencies don t neglect the effect of condensation.

It is the leading cause of the deterioration of trusses. It can also reduce thermal insulation performance which can be a particular problem during winter. Warm wet air rises and meets the cold roof and cools. That excess moisture ends up as drops of condensation on the roof.

Picture a cloud of moisture floating overhead between the rafters. This problem may become more common as existing buildings are altered to become eco friendly. Keeping your flat roof condensation free is vital for longevity. Although condensation in roofs may not seem like a serious problem it actually is.

As it cools it can t hold as much moisture. This is especially so if it occurs within the roof s structure itself as this can lead to decay in the roof timbers which is very difficult to spot. If your roof deck or insulation is developing water droplets chances are your forehead is too. Flat and low slope roof designs to avoid moisture condensation problems flat roofs call up a whole new breed of building moisture problems how to avoid moisture traps under flat roofs avoid mold rot caused by moisture trapped under un vented flat roofs questions answers about the cause cure prevention of moisture problems in flat roofs and similarly hard to ventilate structures.

Despite the many benefits of using the old roofing styles which involve the incorporation of selectively porous and completely permeable membranes they are the major causes of condensation in roofs.