Removing your Worries about Roof Insulation

Posted on 1st July 2022

There are many myths surrounding roof insulation and the biggest of them is that roof insulation causes damp.

If you are hesitant about insulating your roof for this reason, it’s time to put your worries to rest. Insulation does not cause damp.

In this post, we will look at the various causes of condensation and damp and why roof insulation is not the culprit it’s made out to be.

Causes of Condensation

Condensation is a precarious issue because it can seem and behave like a leak even when there’s no roof damage. Condensation is a problem that can be identified only by a professional.

Roof condensation typically occurs during winter and spring, when cool air and water on the roof combine with the hot air in the loft. The rising hot air inside your house has moisture, which tends to condense on the inner roof surface when it gets close to lower temperatures.

This results in sweaty walls and running water in the home that seems like a leak. It can cause significant damage even when your roof is perfectly intact.

Moisture and Roof Insulation

Insulation, per se, is not the cause for damp. The culprit here is condensation.

Insulation’s job is to help retain the warm air within your house – and in the case of roof insulation, to keep the warm air from going out of your home through the roof. 

Roof insulation is a problem when it is not properly installed or when you insulate more than necessary. Too much insulation can warm up the air near the roof, forcing condensation.

This can cause multiple problems: when condensation happens on insulated materials, the water makes its way to porous materials and staying on them for extensive period, paving the way for mildew, mould and other issues to crop up.

These issues typically go unnoticed. After all, who thinks of checking up the attic or the crawl space in early spring and winter to check whether condensation was the issue?

We take note of condensation only when it seeps into ceilings and walls. However, the first thing that condensation attacks is the insulation material. By the time you notice the damp, it is too late.

Preventing Condensation

The presence of condensation anywhere in the house is a serious matter, which must be addressed immediately. The solution lies in investing in a good roof and providing ample ventilation in the attic.

Ready to Insulate Your Roof?

At Tyne Insulation, we offer a wide range of insulation materials to protect your home. Contact us today for a quick quote.