Metal roofing is a durable and eco-friendly option for your home. Like any other roof material, it will also be affected by the weather. When temperatures reach the dew point, which ranges from 32 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit in Alaska, humidity creates water, which may penetrate your roof and cause damage. To help you care for your property, here’s more information about condensation under roofing and how to prevent issues. 

What Causes Condensation Beneath Metal Roofing?

Humidity can form condensation on cooler surfaces like cold glasses or car windows. When water vapor content is high, it compresses into liquid, which creates water droplets. The temperature at which this happens is called the dew point. Colder climates like Alaska have the lowest dew point in the country, meaning vapor turns to water more readily. If your insulation is insufficient, humidity from the outside will penetrate your home and turn into water when temperatures reach the dew point.

What Kind of Damage Can This Do?

When those water droplets become trapped between the roofing and the wall below, they rust the metal over time. This will cause structural damage and shorten the lifespan of your unit. It can also encourage mold and mildew growth, which can result in respiratory issues, property damage, and unpleasant odors. Moisture also attracts insects, which can be difficult to manage when they’re lodged under your roofing.

How Can You Resolve the Problem?

The key to controlling condensation is to manage humidity levels. Using fiberglass insulation in your attic can reduce humidity, preventing damp air from forming water particles in your roofing. You can also use a dehumidifier to control the moisture content in your indoor air. 

Proudly serving residential and commercial clients throughout rural Alaska since 1981, the team at Magic Metals Inc. is an expert in metal roofing. Based in Palmer, AK, this locally owned business carries a wide range of high-quality roofing materials. They have products in many colors and can custom-build a new unit to fit your property. Learn more about their residential offerings online or call (907) 746-7800 to ask about their inventory.