Since penthouses are only frequented by the inhabitants of a home, water damage and other problems can sometimes go unnoticed, can be a danger due to water damage problems in the attic worse the more they left unresolved. However, by making some careful considerations regarding ventilation in the attic, you can alleviate or even prevent water damage problems altogether.
Poor ventilation attic
Ventilation for attics plays an important role in the likelihood and severity of water damage in the attic. According to a study of houses with extensive water damage carried out by the National Research Council of Canada, houses with the worst water damage of all observed had a combination of factors contributing to water damage, including condensation, roof, attic High humidity, insulation of the moist loft, attic poor ventilation and less hermetic construction in the attic. Vents in homes that suffered the worst damage or dirty, covered up or nonexistent.
Moisture and mold
When water makes its way into attic space with leaky ceilings, damaged windows, leaking plumbing or any other source, it can saturate the loft insulation and provide ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold continues to grow, homeowners sometimes mistakenly ventilate the attic further rather than simply using the ventilation that already exists in the attic. This measurement can exacerbate mold problems by drawing moist air from below the attic rooms, thereby further stimulating the growth of mold and spreading a stale, foul-smelling odor throughout the house below.
Remedies
To avoid these problems, install attic ventilation if not ventilation currently in your attic. If you already have attic ventilation, make sure they are clean and free of obstructions such as bird nests or boxes in front of the ventilation. Measuring relative humidity inside the attic can serve as an indication of how well attic ventilation is working; High relative humidity can indicate air circulation and can favor the growth of mold inside the loft. If the loft insulation becomes saturated with water, it must be replaced to prevent mold growth and other damage.
Additional damage prevention
To achieve long-term prevention of water damage in the attic requires not only proper maintenance of ventilation but the removal of excess moisture which creates problems in the first instance. Locate and repair leaks in the roof, leaking plumbing or damaged windows right away. Relative humidity monitor and check loft insulation for any moisture. By combining proper ventilation with removing excess moisture, you can keep your attic free from water damage in the long run.