We are getting many calls from panicked homeowners. There is definitely a leak in their home but it does not seem to be coming from their roof because the temperature outside is below freezing and nothing is melting off their roof.

The cause of the leak may be Condensation. Simply defined, warm moist air is attracted to cold surfaces. When warm air touches a cold surface, the moisture is released and collects on the cold surface. The release of moisture is called condensation. Like when you see your summer cocktail sweating .

How does this happen? Why is it happening in our home?

During the winter we condition the air with heat and humidity. Our daily living habits can push the humidity levels to what is beyond acceptable. Warm air that escapes into the attic can release its moisture (condense) onto the roof sheathing, roof rafters and insulation causing damage if the moisture is not removed. Dangerous moulds can form on the underside of the roof sheathing and roof rafters and cause an unhealthy home. Often this moisture drips onto and through the insulation showing up on our ceilings appearing like a roof leak.

A potential attic leakage site can be located at any point in the ceiling that penetrates into the attic. Many of these penetrations are unavoidable because of the very nature or purpose the penetration serves. Some of these leak points would include and not limited to Plumbing stacks, light fixtures and recessed lighting, partition walls, bathroom fans. The actual source of leakage at any one of these sites is due to gaps that exist between the ceiling finish and the penetration.

What can you do?
 Inspect your attic to see if there is frost on the roof nails, or moisture in large areas on the roof sheathing.
 If you have a wet attic, turn off your humidifier.
 Run a dehumidifier in your basement, often a wet basement leads to a wet attic.
 Purchase a hydrometer to measure the amount of humidity your home has. The humidity should not be over 40-45%.
 Make sure your bathroom and kitchen exhaust vents are properly sealed and vented outside and not into your attic.
 Call A professional Roofing/Insulation/Ventilation Contractor that understands how all of these systems work together to protect your home. We recommend www.juffsroofing.com

What a professional can do:
 By sealing attic leakage sites, we reduce the amount of cold air that enters the house and also reduce the potential for moisture damage in the attic. The net result is a reduction in the fuel bills and a longer life for the roof structure.
 A potential attic leakage site can be located at any point in the ceiling that penetrates into the attic. The actual source of leakage at any one of these sites is due to gaps that exist between the ceiling finish and the penetration.
 Roof ventilation provides a safety valve to remove additional amounts of moisture that enters the attic which the contractor cannot eliminate. Only after all efforts to seal the attic leakage sites have been performed should you review the need for additional roof ventilation. It has been scientifically proven that cold air does not hold as much moisture as warm air does. Adding additional roof ventilation, although very important will not remove an excess amount of moisture entering into an attic.

So, before you spend your hard earned month trying to fix a roof leak, understand the source of the leak by asking yourself these questions: Do I have an ice dam? Is my roof compromised?
Is it condensation, and if so do I have an internal moisture problem that is disguising itself as a roof leak?

For more information follow the link to Canada Mortgage Housing website http://ow.ly/WPyY