There’s plenty to love about metal roofs. They are incredibly durable—resisting strong winds, corrosion, and impacts—, last for several decades, and are environmentally friendly. Even so, without the right precautions, your roof could succumb to condensation problems. If you’ve noticed a layer of sweat on the interior of your roof, use this guide to determine what’s causing it and how to correct it.

What Causes Condensation on a Metal Roof?

Air can naturally hold a certain amount of water vapor. When it reaches its saturation point, condensation then forms.

During the summer, you often see a layer of sweat on a metal roof in the morning or evening hours when the temperature is cooler and unable to hold as much moisture as normal. As the day warms, the water will eventually evaporate. 

However, it will also form as a result of different interior and exterior temperatures coming into contact. This is often a problem for homeowners during the winter when warm moisture-filled air interacts with a cold metal roof.

The rapidly cooling air turns to liquid on the roof's underside and begins to drip down on the interior structure and your belongings. If the moisture is allowed to accumulate, it can cause serious damage to your roof and foundation, leading to mold growth. 

How to Correct a Condensation Problem? 

The key to stopping condensation is a mixture of ventilation and insulation. Your roof needs adequate ventilation around the eaves and in the gable walls—the areas of wall between the intersecting roof pitches—to allow moisture-rich air floating up to the attic to escape. 

Adding a layer of insulation to the internal surface of the metal also makes it more difficult for the dew point to be met. This prevents the warm interior air from cooling and saturating the inside of the roof. 

Additionally, an anti-condensation membrane layer can be installed to absorb any condensation that does form. This material traps and holds moisture until the dew point in the area is naturally raised, releasing the water back into the air.

If your metal roof is having condensation issues, contact Lar-Son and Sons Inc. for an effective solution. Since 1940, this family-owned roofing contractor has provided roof replacements, installations, and repair services to Rhinelander, WI, and the surrounding communities. All of their contractors have over 20 years of field experience, making them one of the most skilled workforces in the area. Call them today at (715) 362-2769 for a quote, or visit their website.