The Difference Between Roof Condensation and a Roof Leak

Discovering water damage on your property ceiling or walls can be unsettling. It’s imperative to determine if your roof is actually leaking or experiencing condensation before calling any expert in for a repair. 

What is roof condensation? When there isn’t much moisture in the air, roof condensation can appear from daily activities like showering, cooking or running small appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, etc). Typically this happens when the average temperature is below 35 degrees F. A moisture stain may appear on your ceiling from condensation. 

What should I be looking for?

1. Is there condensation forming around your windows, light fixtures or skylight? Again, this can temporarily appear from cooking, showering, etc.
2. Is there a unit above the unit that is leaking? Are there issues in the ceilings of other units?
3. Do you notice a stain or a drip? Stains are very common for roof condensation. 
4. Are you noticing condensation after rain or a winter storm?
5. Is there a humidifier in the unit experiencing this? What is it set to?
6. Ensure your attic fans are venting properly from bathrooms, etc. 
7. Walk around your property. Are there missing or torn shingles?

Once you’ve identified there are no signs of a leak, it is likely water condensation. Condensation can lead to issues such as peeling paint, rotting wood, mold and mildew if completely ignored. If you need drywall repaired in one unit or multiple buildings, IOC Construction is only a phone call away. Condensation problems are easier on your budget than repairing issues caused by a leaking roof. 

Roofing leaks can cause major issues for any type of property. Typically, a real roof leak has evident dripping or running water. If you notice this, a roof leak is a true emergency and requires immediate attention. The team at IOC Construction can help repair any roofing or drywall damage. 

“Your company just wrapped up a large drywall repair job at Cambria Condominiums in Lombard. There was close to 90 total addresses who had leaking and damage from ice damming this winter. I first talked to Jim about the project and he assured me IOC Construction could step up and complete 100% of the work both quickly and with high quality.  He took all the information from me and worked with our insurance agent.  Tatiana was assigned to this as well.  In a busy time for me, it was great to be able to simply forward an inquiry on to her. IOC Construction did a tremendous job!  I actually have received about 8 complements on the work.  Many of these people contacted me for no other reason than to praise the crews.  I send out hundreds of work orders and can tell you this is not a common occurrence.”

Property Manager, Red Brick Property Management