Roof/Loft Condensation and Ventilation Products

Condensation can accumulate in the roof loft space of any home, it is however such an issue for many properties that action is required to prevent the moisture from causing damp and mold patches on ceilings.

Condensation and subsequent damp problems can occur in both summer and during periods of cold weather in winter months

Causes of Roof Condensation

Below is a list of the most common causes of loft/roof condensation:

Windows not being opened to vent the property
Washing being dried on radiators
Cooking with windows closed (common during winter months)
Washing and bathing with inadequate ventilation
Water storage tanks in loft not being covered

Hot air rises so when ventilation is not specified during the habitable part of a home the moisture will rise to the roof or loft space.
This itself isn't a problem however during winter months the loft temperature will easily drop to cold levels, warm moisture will then condensate on any cold surfaces such as the roof felt or timbers.
The end result can be water droplets on the underside of the roof felt in the loft - leading to damp and mold problems.
During summer months an unvented loft can become extremely hot, water in uncovered tanks will quickly start to evaporate and will increase the humidity in the loft space.

Roof Vent

A roof vent will allow airflow through the loft and will help to reduce/eradicate the occurrence of condensation.
When ventilating a roof every homeowner needs to be aware that installing vents on properties with little or no loft insulation may result in issues arising: 1) Drop in overall house temperature 2) Increase in heating costs.
This is the result of the warm air generated by the central heating being allowed to escape through the roof.

There are several ways to vent a roof however ensuring that the loft has insulation is a must.

Tile Vent

A tile vent can be installed to either new or existing roofs.
It is not always a good idea to vent the roof at the highest point - midway up the roof is fine. Usually 2-3 vents per side of a roof are required however that is based on an average 7m x 4m roof side.
The vents can be installed by following these instructions:

1) Remove tiles and timber batten to area
2) With a pencil and using the vent as a template draw an outline - avoid timber rafters!
3) Using a sharp knife cut the hole into the felt
4) The vent pipe is then pushed through the hole and secured via the fixing holes
5) Roof tiles are then re-laid and cut around the vent pipe - easy

Ridge Tile Vent

As an alternative to roof tile vents a pre vented ridge tile can be fitted which works equally well.
The vent is in most cases cemented to the existing roof just as a standard non vented ridge tile would be.
Because the vent is placed at the highest level of the home it will allow warm air to escape with ease.

Eaves Vents