RETURN TO I Have An Existing Metal Roof and Have A Question
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I recommend the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultant (IIBEC) for someone that can assist you. or you can reach out to Scott Bonk (scott@scottbonk.com) 239-768-3654
He is located in Fort Myers, FL and is a knowledgeable roof inspector.
It does appear to be condensation. Warm moist air inside the home is migrating to the roof / roof deck which cools down at night and then it condenses. Reducing moisture levels inside may help. Removing the ceiling boards and installing a vapor barrier (polyethylene sheet) may help or it may just move the condensation point. Removing the ceiling boards and the insulation and then spraying as much closed cell urethane spray foam as possible is probably the best possible solution. The foam acts as a vapor barrier plus has high R value.
Dick's suggestions are very good. I am curious though if the style and installation (including ventilation) of the new metal roof is the same as the original? An inspector will ask that as well. Also, has anything been done to increase moisture levels inside the home such as tightening up the walls, windows, or doors ... or adding moisture sources inside the home?
Warm moist air originating inside the structure appears to be reaching the cool underside of the roof system and condensing. Reducing moisture levels inside could be helpful. Ventilation may be tough to achieve based upon the exact construction. Sometimes in these cases metal roofs are installed over an air gap or thermal break to prevent them from conducting cool temperatures to the living space. Those cool temperature encourage dew point being reached which is when condensation occurs. I do think your idea of getting a local expert involved will be helpful. They can take a closer look at the actual construction and make some recommendations.
I just moved into a tiny home with a tin roof. I'm attaching two pictures. One shows the scope of the ceiling. The other shows the tongue and groove board with evidence of a leak. I have run water over the top of the roof for long periods of time just to see if it leaks. It doesn't. I am now assuming there is some sort of condensation issue. I was able to pry the one board up about 1/2 in and tried to stuff more insulation in there. Single mama here wondering AND a teacher, so I'm looking for economical ways to manage this. Any help would be so appreciated. Ceiling.pdf
Thanks so much for your help! It is the only area I have found, so far. I'm trying to do this myself, so the specifics of insulation were really helpful. I will give it my best shot!
Good afternoon, I have had a metal roof since 2005. Recently under the Alabama Strengthen Homes act I was eligible to have my roof replaced as part of a certification process. I paid the difference to have my existing metal roof replaced with a new metal roof and the requirements for a certified roof. This saved me money on my homeowners insurance. They either replaced it in 2019 or 2020. The first summer the cathedral ceiling in my family room started having condensation running down the inside of the ceiling and even dripping onto my furniture. I called they came out but wanted to say it was something internal. I reminded them that I had a metal roof since 2005 and never had this problem before the new natal roof was installed. Now it is so bad that the wood beams in my ceiling are starting to mold. I do not think they have the expertise to know what is going on. Are there professional metal roof inspectors? I live on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Thank you!
Thank you so much!
Good morning! I am not sure if the installation was done in the same manner as the existing roof. I do know however that there isn’t any ventilation because I asked that question when the problem started. I was told there wasn’t any ridge vent or roof ventilation required. I do not believe they put any sort of insulation between the metal and the roof decking. Nothing has changed on the inside of my home. Hope this helps!
