The attics above our homes are not often used for anything other than storage. We don't spend time thinking about them unless we have to be in them to take belongings into or out of storage. This may only happen once or twice a year for people in Orlando. It is no wonder that we haven't given much thought to the fact that we need to inspect these attics at least once a year for water damage from leaking roofs. The sooner to our household checklist of places we should look at occasionally for water damage.

We should pick a time to do these checks when it is raining quite hard. This may not seem like an appropriate time, but there really isn't a better time for this inspection especially to see if water is leaking into the attic from the roof. If there are shingles on your roof that have been loose long enough, water will make its way under the tar paper and down in between the crack where the wood of your attic is joined. The water will run down the board structures in the attic and can be seen pretty easily.

If you are lucky, and check often, you can identify leaks and locate where they are coming from before any real water damage has been done. Repairing or replacing a few shingles can be easy roof redone. Many times small roofing repairs like these can be done yourself if you are not afraid. If you do not catch the loose shingles soon enough, the water leaking under them will spread to a larger and larger area of wood and the wood will rot, deteriorate and cause mold growth. Now the leaking problem has become a major issue because you will probably need to have the roof replaced. FOr people in Orlando and other jurisdictions this will most probably be costly.

Repairing the roof can be dangerous if you are not comfortable with heights and your roof has a significant slope to it. You will waste money and time figuring out how to do the repair. After all, it is important that the work is done correctly the first time. It might be a good idea to call a professional and have the problem taken care of the right way.

Another reason for water damage in your attic is from condensation. Condensation can sometimes occur when moist warm air flows into the attic from the living areas below in the home. High humidity levels in the home's living area can contribute to the condensation on the wood in your attic. Over time this can cause the wood to rot.

There are two things that will help prevent this problem. Insulate your Orlando home's attic and seal around your attic door. This will keep the attic is cooler and prevent the moist warm from causing water damage to the wood upstairs. A little maintenance today can prevent additional cost tomorrow.