The Role of Moisture Migration in Premature Roof Repair Issues

People residing in Canada face several environmental challenges. There are climatic extremes such as sudden thaws and long, drawn-out winter months. Other than causing the seasonal flu, it also affects the roofing structure of Canadian buildings. Compared to regions that have a relatively constant climate, the roofs in Canada are constantly reacting to moisture in various forms. They include rain, condensation, ice, and snow. Over a span of time, the humidity doesn’t just rest on the surface; it invisibly moves through the entire roofing structure. 

Understanding moisture migration 

Moisture migration is described as the process by which water vapour or liquid water moves through the different layers of roofing materials and structures. This movement is possible due to various means, such as capillary action, air leaks, or vapour diffusion. Therefore, moisture can still get to the insulation, decking, or even the rafters. It happens when a roof seems flawless from the outside by passing underneath shingles, membranes, or flashings. 

In places with colder weather conditions, the warm air inside the house rises and gets out into the attic space. The cold surfaces of the roof then cause the warm air to condense. Over time, condensation and evaporation cycles repeatedly cause the moisture to go deeper into the roofing system, where it often goes undetected for a long time.

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The need for early roof repair 

Many homeowners believe that a roof repair is needed only after inclement weather or when they can see an apparent leak. However, the most commonly encountered issue with roof damage that requires repair is moisture migration. It deteriorates roofing materials slowly over time. Wood decking will rot, fasteners will corrode, and insulation will lose its thermal value. 

By the time you notice signs of damage on the outside of the roofing system or inside your house, the actual damage may have been occurring for several months or even years. Therefore, when a roofing contractor comes to perform a roof repair, he is very likely going to be addressing a problem with underlying moisture and not just fixing a surface issue.

Unknown areas of moisture migration 

Moisture migration may not necessarily be from rain directly entering your roof system, but instead can be caused by poor ventilation, lack of a vapour barrier, or small air leaks at penetrations. Ice dams may also cause water to back up underneath your shingles during the winter months, and humid air can build up during the summer in poorly ventilated attic areas.

Since the above conditions tend to be more challenging to see, these types of problems may be missed during a routine inspection. If only visible damage is repaired, and any source of moisture is not addressed, new issues will arise. If you want to know more about this, you can check out Artisanroofing.ca and be better equipped about this topic.

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Final words

Therefore, even though moisture migration occurs slowly, it is a constant force operating within a roofing system. This is more prevalent in the climate space of Canada. Identifying the way moisture moves, its areas of accumulation, and the way it affects the materials is necessary to avert premature roofing failures. Therefore, a detailed evaluation and early detection by a professional roofer in Canada can bring about the difference between a minor correction and costly structural repair. 

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