Water Damage Plywood Attic

The initial dangers of a roof leak are damage to the attic area and items stored there.

Water damage plywood attic.

If you recently discovered water damage in your attic it s time to take action. Missing or damaged shingles can permit water to seep in and over time it can lead to wood rot in the roof decking and in the lumber used to frame the attic. Without intervention you could incur costly damage not to mention hefty repairs and headaches. So for example a burst pipe or wind driven rain will be covered but water damage due to neglect or gradual deterioration won t be covered or the residual mold that forms from this.

Water in your attic can damage wood. If there is no attic or the size of the leak is really big it will damage the interior ceiling. Water damaged drywall wood materials jute wallpaper and cardboard are prone to mold growth when damp. A quick inspection of the attic might uncover dark water stains on the rafters or in the insulation or even light passing through holes in the roof.

Assess the water damage. Water leakage can lead to ceiling spots or leaks stains on interior walls cracked paint or peeling wallpaper. Damage to the edge of the plywood allows moisture to penetrate into the layers and can cause separations. The leaking water also will damage paint and plaster on nearby walls.

Affected ceiling paint will darken and ceiling plaster may bubble and expand. Mold growth tends to follow the pattern of water condensation or leak. Both active and inactive mold can produce volatile organic. Though attics are typically hot and dry a leaky roof or pipe condensation or severe weather can cause water to enter your attic.

Inspect damaged materials for mold and mildew mold can start to grow in the right conditions in as little as 24 hours. In cases where water damage is not obvious use of a humidity sensor and a moisture meter is recommended. For long term issues like mold caused by attic condensation the mold may have started growing a long time ago. The decision regarding the thickness of plywood to use for the subfloor in the attic has a lot to do with how you intend to use the attic and it also depends on the spacing of the ceiling joists.

Your first goal should be to assess the problem. One of the most common signs that a roof s decking is damaged is a roof leak. How to dry out an attic. Even if the plywood is rated as exterior grade and manufactured with water proof glue if water penetrates between layers it causes them to swell and warp pulling the layers apart.