These areas usually have open stud cavities leading directly into the attic that are huge sources of air leaks photos 1 3.
Pics of leaks inside attic.
Also plumbing stacks in the attic can be a source of condensation which can lead to attic mold growth.
Without air sealing your attic you are allowing warm air to escape from your home carrying with it your hard earned winter heating money.
Scan for moisture inside walls with a moisture meter.
Make note of dropped soffits over kitchen cabinets or bath vanities slanted ceilings over stairways or any other dropped ceiling areas.
Most people just add insulation to their attic this will not stop the escaping warm air.
Map the roof leak.
If your roof leaks or any attic windows leak you ve got moisture in your attic and probably need to consider attic mold removal.
If you know that you have a leak within a certain wall but are unaware of the precise location place the moisture meter at 5 or 6 different spots on the wall.
Place the shingle or plywood onto the tar and spread more of the tar around the edges of your patch.
Water runs downhill so carefully observe all areas below suspected leak s.
Before you crawl into the attic make a quick sketch of the floor plan.
Air seal your attic for energy savings.
Plumbing stacks can also emit hazardous gases so make sure that they too do not terminate inside the attic.
Make the final repair as soon as weather permits.
You may see stained or discolored wood areas that will lead you to the source of the leak.
Rainy weather causes the first type of leak to be discovered.
In the attic photograph at left we show a mix of green gray and white attic mold.
When looking for attic mold trace both leak.
Mold in attic is fairly common because attics are often damp.
Examine the entire attic roof underside surface for evidence of water intrusion.
Use a putty knife to spread the tar into the leaking hole on the inside of your roof.
Roof leaks will often lead to a small localized area of attic mold near where the leak is occurring.
Repairing a roof leak from the inside is a temporary fix only.
The photo at page top shows white attic mold on the roof sheathing and rafters and some brown or black mold on the attic side of ceiling drywall where we pulled back insulation.
Water leaks occur through roof failure ice dams and water condensation or frost build up inside an attic.
Walk carefully on the ceiling joists in the attic or use a sheet of plywood to walk on so you will not accidentally put a hole in the ceiling panel.