Leak or Condensation in Attic?

PCros

Hope this is in the correct sub-forum.

I was up in the attic this evening and have noticed that there are groups of droplets around the ceiling of the attic. They are dropping like a leaking tap. Looking online there seems to be two types of leaks...condensation or actual external water.

We've had the whole house re-plastered and spot lights in one bedroom have been down for the past 3 weeks so there are 6 holes into the attic - not sure if this has anything to do with it.

I have attached a photo of what I'm talking about and if anyone would have some guidance that would be greatly appreciated.

https://flic.kr/p/2dBcf26

Thanks in advance.

sullzz

PCros wrote: »

Hope this is in the correct sub-forum.

I was up in the attic this evening and have noticed that there are groups of droplets around the ceiling of the attic. They are dropping like a leaking tap. Looking online there seems to be two types of leaks...condensation or actual external water.

We've had the whole house re-plastered and spot lights in one bedroom have been down for the past 3 weeks so there are 6 holes into the attic - not sure if this has anything to do with it.

I have attached a photo of what I'm talking about and if anyone would have some guidance that would be greatly appreciated.

https://flic.kr/p/2dBcf26

Thanks in advance.

Is that fibreglass insulation shoved down right into the eaves, you need to leave a gap at the edges for air circulation.

PCros

sullzz wrote: »

Is that fibreglass insulation shoved down right into the eaves, you need to leave a gap at the edges for air circulation.

I think so...its kind of crunchy when you squeeze it? I'll go up and have another look.

Also the water tank is not covered at all.

sullzz

PCros wrote: »

I think so...its kind of crunchy when you squeeze it? I'll go up and have another look.

Also the water tank is not covered at all.

I wasn't asking if its fibreglass!!
I was more saying make sure it's not pushed right down the eaves, you have vents in the facia and soffets, these are to circulate air in the attic space, if the fibreglass insulation in preventing the circulation you will get condensation.

GreeBo

PCros wrote: »

I think so...its kind of crunchy when you squeeze it? I'll go up and have another look.

Also the water tank is not covered at all.

Insulate the tank but not under it, it uses the rising heat to prevent freezing.

PCros

Sorry I read your reply wrong.

Ok grand I'll go up and move it back.

Do you think the tank water being exposed has any effect?

sullzz

PCros wrote: »

Sorry I read your reply wrong.

Ok grand I'll go up and move it back.

Do you think the tank water being exposed has any effect?

It shouldn't really, no harm popping a lid on it though.

PCros

So whilst the insulation is not laid down well there are actual gaps at the eaves. Also the condensation seems to be primarily on the lower parts of the roof.

Is this under a roofers remit to get fixed?

Damien360

That's looks exactly like we had in our house OP. Did you get the house pumped recently ? Condensation. The first winter after we got our house pumped, we saw that. Noticed especially on the black plastic bag holding the Christmas decorations. Look at the rafters closest to the felt. That's where it begun. The colder the weather the worse it got. Insulated my attic door also as it collected over this especially. We added tile ventilation front and back at 4 locations each side to solve it. You have to keep stuff in the attic below the ventilation location or it just does not work. Picked up the tiles in Road Stone in Tallaght. Brought a picture of existing ones to get a match. Roofer just had to wait for decent weather to fit them in a half hour.

Damien360

We also did the pull back insulation from eaves, vents in facia etc. Not worth a toss. Next step if this didn't work was a electrical fan on Gable end of attic. Thankfully it didn't come to that.

PCros

Ok cool I'll have a look into the tiles.

No we didn't get the house pumped however we did get all the internal walls and ceilings re-slabbed over the original slabs so I wonder is that now sending all the heat straight up into any crevice it can find.

There has been small amounts of damp in the past but not to this level.