Rubber Roof Condensation Problems

Picture a cloud of moisture floating overhead between the rafters.

Rubber roof condensation problems.

Over time this excess moisture can lead to the unseen decay in roof timbers and fixings. Warm wet air rises and meets the cold roof and cools. If this problem is not caught early it can be a very expensive and possibly dangerous problem to fix. Virtually the only negative for a rubber roof is appearance and even that drawback can be overcome with the use of rubber shingles or acrylic paint.

Although moisture problems in the roof assembly can be due to waterproofing deficiencies don t neglect the effect of condensation. Essentially condensation occurs at night when the temperature inside a building is warmer than outside. And second the roof deck and rigid insulation form a reasonable interior vapor barrier. Moisture occurs when heated air inside the home rises up to the roof where it meets the colder temperatures of outside air.

Roof condensation has a very specific cause. Although condensation in roofs may not seem like a serious problem it actually is. It s no surprise that this tends to occur more in colder months when home heating is more common and intense. It is the leading cause of the deterioration of trusses.

It can also have an effect on thermal insulation materials as the measured thermal performance reduces when increased moisture is present. In the case of the timber trusses and purlins they will rot and eventually lose their stability. Using the wrong roofer to install a rubber roof can lead to problems down the line due to incorrect installation and can even negate a warranty on the rubber itself. This applies to both the timber and steel trusses.

These roofs have few inter material condensation problems for two reasons. On a 1400 sq ft old adobe house in central new mexico currently 2 3 of the roof is flat vented and covered with foam while 1 3rd has a low slope is unvented and covered with maxitile over ice and water shield. The rapid cooling leads to immediate condensation. Condensation can cause a number of problems within a building particularly interstitial condensation which can occur inside the roof s structure.

As it cools it can t hold as much moisture. Roof condensation occurs when moisture becomes trapped between the roof and the insulation. But with proper design and maintenance principles you don t have to sweat roof condensation issues. Usually this problem stems from either poor workmanship in installing the roof or insulation insufficient ventilation or excess moisture in the building.

If your roof deck or insulation is developing water droplets chances are your forehead is too.