Does Texas Have To Worry About Dew Points and Condensation on Roofs?
When condensation gathers on a roof, it can have debilitating effects. Condensation combined with humidity could lead to issues of roof rot, damaged shingles, and possibly leaks in time. But Texas is known for its warm, sunny weather. Do Texans have to worry about the dew point and condensation when it comes to their roof?
The truth is it depends on the part of Texas in which the home is located. Texas is a massive state and home to multiple climates. Houston, for instance, is a particularly humid climate.
What is “Dew Point?”
The “dew point” is the point at which water vapor becomes liquid, forming condensation on a surface. This has much to do with the temperature of the air and the humidity within the air. It varies from place to place and even from day-to-day, based on the humidity levels in a particular part of the country. For Houston, the humidity levels are typically higher than the temperature in order to create the dew point. For instance, if the humidity level is 68% in Houston, the dew point is 52 degrees Fahrenheit.
Houston Climate
Texas is generally thought of as a hot, dry climate. Homeowners in Texas tend to use air conditioning more than they use heating, which means they don’t have to worry about heated air from inside meeting cold air from outside quite as frequently. However, Houston is considered a humid, subtropical climate with tropical influences. It’s known for high humidity, which means that reaching the dew point and condensation are entirely possible. In fact, condensation on the roof that leads to attic moisture can be a big issue in Houston, one that everyone from roofing manufacturers and contractors to individual homeowners has to guard against.
The Problem With Roofing Condensation
Roofing condensation settles onto the roof in times of high humidity and, because the humidity is so high, it doesn’t rapidly dry in the way that it might otherwise. Instead, it can seep into the materials of the roof, softening it. This moisture can cause mold and mildew to form, as well as roof rot. It can lead to moisture within your attic, roof leaks, or even structural problems with your home. This can be especially common on flat roofs since there’s no slope for water or snow run-off after a storm, much less a way to handle condensation from humidity. Thus commercial roofs can be even more at risk here.
Signs of Roof Condensation Damage
Signs of roof condensation damage can be hard to spot at first, but the symptoms are generally a slower form of typical water condensation symptoms. Look for any dark, discolored patches on your roof, as well as damp spots from your attic ceiling. In especially bad cases of roofing condensation, you might notice dripping. Curled shingles could also be a sign of condensation damage. These are certainly things you’ll want to take seriously when it comes to your roof before it starts to affect the rest of your home.
How to Prevent Roofing Condensation
Roofing condensation in Houston is different than it might be in, say, Connecticut. Roofing condensation here is external roofing condensation, whereas in other parts of the country, the issue might be internal roofing condensation. Thus, some solutions to fixing roofing condensation might be different here than in other parts of the country. That said, there are a few tricks you can employ to resist roofing condensation.
The first step is to use the right roofing products. Cheap roofing products are more likely to fall prey to roofing condensation. GAF roofing products, on the other hand, used Advanced Protection® Shingle Technology, and StainGuard Protection in order to make sure their shingles truly stand up to the elements. Beyond the right products, and a GAF Master Elite roofing crew, here are some tips to protect your roof from condensation in Houston.
Ventilate Your Roof
Adding roof ventilation will help to circulate air throughout the humidity that causes roofing condensation. It will also protect your attic from moisture that can happen as a result of roof condensation, and it will even make your home more temperature-regulated and energy-efficient while you’re at it.
Insulate Your Attic
Adding insulation to the attic will also help lessen the effects of roof condensation, though again, the roof condensation in Houston is often caused by external factors. However, by insulating the attic, you’ll be able to better protect the interior of the home while you work on solving the exterior problem.
Add a Vapor Barrier
A vapor barrier is placed under the surface of your roof and serves as a way to block moisture from getting through that surface. Again, this will not necessarily stop algae from forming on the roof or discolored, curling shingles (the right roofing products and ventilation may help with that). Still, it may help keep the problem of roofing condensation from spreading throughout the rest of the home.
Houston’s climate might be different from much of the rest of the country, but that doesn’t mean that roof condensation isn’t a concern. Keep up-to-date with the climate, watch your roof and attic, and follow these tips to help protect your home. Need a roofer to help with roof repair or replacement? Houston Roofing is a local company that goes above and beyond for our customers time and time again. Contact us today to learn more or to get started with a free, no-hassle estimate.