{Condensation} detail

Rather than venting to bring cool air in under the roof, Summit Roofing’s super-insulated, warm roof system keeps warm, moist air away from the cool roof underside with a five-to six-inch layer of spray polyurethane foam insulation. Summit’s installation method brings the sprayed insulation layer all the way out the end of the eaves, preventing any snowmelt from refreezing and forming an ice dam. This thick foam layer creates an impressive insulation value, is an excellent vapor barrier, gives off no harmful fumes, and can usually be retro-fitted in existing structures.

Vaulted or cathedral ceiling create soaring, open living areas, but they eliminate the traditional attic space that separates the warm inside from cold outside. Where the two temperature extremes meet, water vapor can condense. Without attic space, we need new ways to disperse the water vapor and prevent condensation and moisture damage. The homeowner’s first indication of a condensation problem is often staining on interior walls and may be mistaken for a roof leak.

The cold roof solution – A popular fix is to keep the underside of the roof cold. Eave vents pull in exterior air, which cools the airspace directly under the roof, and exits through a ridge vent. Insulation and moisture barrier separate warm, moist internal air from the cold roof.

The cold roof is less effective in mountainous areas with heavy winter snows, warm days, and cold nights. On warm days, eave vents pull in warm outside air. The snow melts on the roof but then refreezing when temperatures drop at night. Summit Roofing has found a super-insulated “warm roof” system works better.