Can Roof Damage Be Caused by Humidity?
If you live in Seattle, you know that humidity can fluctuate drastically. It’s a waterfront city prone to plenty of mist and rain, and a completely dry day is fairly rare.
Though you probably factor in the rain and humidity when choosing what to wear for the day, you might not think about them much in the context of your roofing system. However, your roof is affected by many facets of the weather. Most people know that water leaks and storm damage are ongoing concerns for rooftops, but humidity is another item that shouldn’t be ignored.
Protect Your Roofing in Seattle From Humidity Issues
If you want your roof to last as long as possible and provide protection for everyone inside, you need to understand the role humidity plays in the health of a roof.
Small amounts of moisture might not be a concern, but over time, high humidity can create a surprising amount of damage. Knowledge is the first step toward protecting your roofing system from humidity.
In this post, we’ll review everything you should know about roof damage from humidity and how to prevent it. You’ll learn the basics here, and if you have further questions, please call our team for answers.
Understanding Roof Damage Caused by Humidity
Roof deterioration can result from both indoor and outdoor humidity. The issues are similar, but there are interesting differences. We’ll discuss roof damage from humidity in separate sections.
Roof Damage Due to Indoor Humidity
Too much humidity inside your building isn’t pleasant. It may make you feel sweaty and sticky, but your structure also suffers from excess humidity.
Indoor moisture increases the incidence of rot, mold, mildew, and other harm. Interior humidity tends to rise and gather inside the attic and insulation of the roofing system.
If the air becomes damp enough, it can even create liquid droplets in the insulation and roofing, which eventually ruins structural support components like wood and metal. While you probably won’t be able to reduce humidity levels in your building entirely, dehumidifiers are a smart preventive measure when humidity levels are high in Seattle.
Roof Damage and Outdoor Humidity
Environmental humidity is also a concern for roofing systems, especially in a region like Seattle. Similar to indoor humidity, this increases the risk of rot, mold, mildew, and even water leaks.
Elevated humidity due to mist and rain can affect the outer components of your roofing system. Although it’s a challenge to control or alter the humidity outside, you can take steps to reduce potential damage to your roof.
How to Fight Roof Damage Caused by Humidity
Fortunately, it’s possible to lower the humidity levels around your roof. ROOFCORP recommends the following:
- Reduce indoor humidity: If possible, you should keep the indoor humidity level below 50%. You still want some moisture in the air, but too much is going to cause problems. Use dehumidifiers and purchase a hygrometer so you can track the humidity inside your building.
- Assess the condition of your roof: Some roofing materials are more resistant to humidity than others. Also, the age and condition of your roof play a role in how well it withstands ongoing humidity. The smart approach is to have your roof inspected twice a year. Our professionals evaluate for water damage and suggest repairs that will strengthen your roof against the effects of long-term humidity.
- Upgrade the ventilation system: If your roof is older or wasn’t installed with high humidity in mind, an upgrade to the ventilation system can give you stronger protection from humidity and water damage. The roofing professionals at ROOFCORP can recommend ventilation options for your particular roof.
- Schedule roof repairs immediately: If your roof is damaged from a storm or experiencing normal wear and tear, it will become more susceptible to humidity damage. As soon as you suspect a roofing problem, schedule a repair visit. Otherwise, the situation will worsen and become even harder to fix—not to mention much more expensive.
Preventing humidity damage to your roofing system is best done in conjunction with the roofing experts at ROOFCORP. Contact us today to learn more.
How Commercial Roof Damage Can Be Caused by Humidity
Both residential and commercial roofing systems can suffer damage from humidity issues. Although most commercial roofing systems can stand up to weather for a time, water damage can still occur.
Depending on the type of roofing material your commercial building has, humidity can penetrate the membranes and other components. It’s ideal to have your commercial roof inspected at least twice a year to confirm it’s in excellent condition and not weakened by water damage of any kind.
Roofing Repair in Seattle
Weather conditions from high humidity to thunderstorms will likely have an impact on your roof. Though potential humidity damage might not be on your radar, knowing where to turn for roofing repairs is vital.
Even a well-installed roof can be harmed by a major storm, so if you need roofing repair in Seattle, reach out to ROOFCORP. We can perform repairs for many roofing systems.
Contact ROOFCORP Today for Roof Repair
ROOFCORP is your residential and commercial roofing expert. Our trained professionals can perform everything from storm damage repair to roofing replacements, and we serve clients throughout the Seattle area.
Protecting your roof from water and humidity damage is the key to avoiding costly repairs and safety risks. If it’s been a while since you’ve requested a roof inspection, now is a great time to do so.
Call ROOFCORP today to request a roofing inspection or schedule a repair visit!