3 Ways to Control Condensation in Metal Roofs
Posted on: 6 December 2016
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Condensation usually forms when warm, moist air from a kitchen or a bathroom in a residential property rises and meets the cool lower section of a metal roof. That condensation can cause the roof to start corroding if measures aren't taken to keep condensation below harmful levels. This article discusses some condensation control measures that you can choose from in order to protect your metal roof from premature aging due to condensation.
Ventilation
Ventilation helps to remove the warm, moist air before it reaches the underside of the metal roof. This ventilation can be approached from two angles. First, you can install a fan inside the spaces, such as the kitchen and the bathroom where warm moist air can rise into the attic. That fan can blow the air out of the window so that it dissipates harmlessly into the atmosphere. You may also choose to buy a dehumidifier so that moisture can be removed from the air circulating within those spaces where frequent moisture exposure is expected, such as the kitchen. The result of these measures is that the air reaching the roof will be free from moisture and so condensation will not form on that roof.
The second approach entails creating extra vents within the attic system so that warm air from the bathroom and kitchen can exit the attic space quickly before it condenses against the metal roof. This approach is more demanding than the approach of dealing with the moist air from its source.
Insulation
You can also prevent condensation from affecting your metal roof by using insulation in several ways. First, you can have the roofing products coated with condensation-resistant coatings by the manufacturer of the roofing materials. You may also beef up the insulation of the attic using foam sheets so that moist air from the home only exits through the air conditioning system.
Vapour Barriers
The third option that you can consider involves installing vapour barriers on the deck of the roof so that moist air can never reach the underside of the metal roofing material, such as steel sheets. This option may only be feasible if you are replacing your existing roof with a new one.
Discuss the pros and cons of each of the options above with a metal roofing professional. That expert will assess your roof and recommend the best method or combination of methods that will offer lasting protection of your metal roof from the risks of being damaged by condensation.