How to Recognize Attic Condensation & Understand the Cause of the Problem

Carlos Bowman

Attic condensation has been a continuous issue within homes, businesses and factories. Condensation occurs when evaporated water transforms into water vapors. It is very prevalent, because moisture can easily become trapped inside and gain excess to structures and materials that make a building effective. 

Look around your attic and the central parts of your home or business to recognize the main signs and causes of attic condensation. Searching for clues and affected areas can help you develop the right solutions to resolve the issue.

Key Signs of Attic Condensation

A leaking ceiling may suggest that an attic pipe has burst. However, when a contractor comes out and all the pipes are intact you start to wonder where the dripping is coming from. So, consider that a leaky ceiling, ceiling cracks and buckling are evidence of condensation.

Sweating windows, moisture droplets on the toilet, cracked or peeling wall paint are also indications that external moisture is entering the attic space and escaping into the main living or working area.

The accumulation of mold in your attic is also a crucial warning sign that moisture is entering from an exposed port. Mold spores can travel throughout ventilation in your home or business and create dangerous mold growth in various areas.  


Poor insulation is a common cause for attic condensation. Insulation materials are ineffective when they fail to act as a moisture barrier. When there is no moisture barrier, water vapors seep through into the main living or working quarters.

Unsuitable connecting ventilation is a major reason for excessive condensation in the attic space. Vents leading from kitchen and bathroom areas, into the attic, promote the accumulation of water vapors entering the attic. This happens because the kitchen and bathroom areas primarily utilize sinks, showers and toilets where water evaporation is likely to occur.

External temperatures and weather are primary reasons for condensation buildup, such as rain and snow. Snow, in particular, accumulates on top of roofs, trap water underneath as it melts and creates a dam. This dam causes moisture to leak through the shingles into the attic space.

Possible Remedies

Selecting a strong insulation vapor barrier, such as polyethylene sheeting, for the floors, walls and ceilings prevents the travel of moisture and the formation of condensation. Have your contractor correct ventilation that leads into the attic. He or she can install your vents going out toward the roof.

Installing unblocked soffit vents help moderate the cycle of external air and moisture which becomes trapped in between the insulation barrier and the rooftop. The trapped air and moisture then exits through a gable or ridge vent on the roof. This cycle promotes a moisture free attic environment.