Inspect the attic area for adequate ventilation and make sure that the insulation is not blocking the airflow. The attic is considered part of the outside since the floor of the attic is the top of the thermal envelope that surrounds the building. If improper ventilation or inadequate insulation is suspected the building owner should be briefed to reduce the possibility of future damage. Repairs should be delayed until the weather permits because attempting repairs during the winter months will be more expensive and create a major inconvenience to the building owner. Mitigation work must be completed to prevent additional damage and wet insulation should be removed and replaced.
Prevention begins with a strategy that includes avoiding all heat losses into unheated spaces.
Leaks made by wiring, plumbing, attic hatches, chimneys, interior partition walls and bathroom exhaust fans can be sealed by using urethane spray foam, caulking, packed cellulose, or weather stripping. The next step is to include plenty of ceiling insulation and provide affective roof ventilation. The temperature in the attic area should never be greater than 10 difference, plus or minus, from the outside air. This can be achieved by creating sufficient ventilation. This membrane is a reinforced rubberized membrane with adhesive on one side to bond directly to the roof decking and seal itself around each nail shank to prevent the nail holes from enlarging during expansion and contraction.