Roofs And Attics

Silverboard is a high density rigid insulation board that can be used for attics and roofs.

Roofs and attics.

Vented attics with insulation on the floor are marvels of nature and man. Water stains found in the attic are common because there is always a small amount of water that will enter thru a roof vent or a ridge vent. The attic is a great place to find evidence of roof leaks especially if you ve already seen potential problems on the roof. Every home has a roof but is every roof properly ventilated to prevent premature roof deterioration or roofing system failure.

Here are four signs of an unventilated or under ventilated attic. Your roof vents may not look anything like the ones shown in this article. Learn about the benefits prop. Box out light fixtures.

If you can see out water may be able to find its way in. After you air seal openings in the attic floor and cover it with an appropriate amount of insulation nature does the rest. When the board edges are taped it can function as a vapor barrier eliminating the need for a dedicated membrane. Roof attic structure water stains were found under the chimney this is caused from a flashing leak around the exterior of the chimney.

An attic may also be called a sky parlor or a garret. Because attics fill the space between the ceiling of the top floor of a building and the slanted roof they are known for being awkwardly shaped spaces with exposed rafters and difficult to reach corners. Attics or roofs without a working space are covered later in this chapter in section 5 4 cramped attics cathedral ceilings and flat roofs. Look for water stains on the roof sheathing or damp or moldy spots on attic joists and existing insulation as a clue to where leaks might be.

Look at your eaves and roof. If you don t see any attic vents on the roof or in the eaves you need to add some. That keeps your attic dry and reduces ice dams. The exception is older shake roofs.

Assessments in addition to checking for structural problems check the condition of the roof framing sheathing finish and the soffit and fascia for signs of moisture problems such as leaks stains mould flaking or rot. You can sometimes see daylight through them without finding signs of leakage. Insulating your roof and attic space will help retain energy in your home often leading to cost savings and comfort improvement. While some attics are converted into bedrooms home offices or attic apartments complete with windows and staircases most remain.

Rising as it warms air flows up from the eaves and out of ridge or gable vents carrying off moisture that may have migrated from living spaces. Insulating in and around your roof attic space also prevents long term damage from moisture build up or ice damming which results from the warm air trying to escape through the apex of the roof but instead heating up the snow. Water is insulation s enemy.