Control Condensation on Your Metal Roof with These Tips

Do you have a moisture problem in your building? Whether it’s damaging your equipment and materials or causing your building to rust and corrode, you need a solution that stops condensation in its tracks. Keep reading to learn how to control this common problem and keep it in check—permanently.

How Condensation Forms

If you have a metal building or roof, you might experience condensation problems throughout the year, which can lead to serious moisture-related damage like mold, mildew, rot, and more. Condensation forms when warm air rises to the top of your building and cools quickly. As the warm air cools, it “sweats,” and water droplets form.

This can happen in homes when warm air rises into an attic that isn’t properly insulated or that doesn’t have an effective ventilation system. It’s also a common issue for buildings with metal roofs like pole barns; when warm air hits the cool surface of the metal and gets trapped there, condensation forms, which can then drip back down into the space below. This commonly happens on summer nights, when hot air is trapped inside a building and the air outside cools the roof’s surface.

If you experience this in your pole barn, your storage and equipment can be damaged, your livestock could be harmed, and the building itself could corrode and begin to weaken. It will also be more prone to mold and mildew growth and insect infestations.

How to Reduce Condensation

Insulation + Ventilation

The traditional method of preventing roof condensation is insulating the roof and incorporating ventilation to keep warm air from becoming trapped and rising to the roof’s surface. If humid air doesn’t reach a cool surface, condensation doesn’t form. Done properly, this is a highly effective method, especially in homes and living spaces that are regularly heated and cooled.

For buildings that aren’t climate controlled or highly insulated, it’s important to have a properly designed ventilation system. A well designed natural ventilation system should take several factors into consideration: wind, climate, placement of ridge and eave vents for air exchange, and all possible moisture sources.

Condensation Control Membrane

Unfortunately, even with a good ventilation system in place, a building can still experience moisture problems—especially if isn’t well insulated. Fortunately, there’s another solution. Drip Stop is a felt-like material with a rubber backer that can be installed under your metal roof, directly on the panels. The material traps any moisture that forms and holds it until it can naturally and safely release it back into the air as temperatures change throughout the day. It also provides additional protection for your metal roof, is highly durable, and resists corrosion and aging. It can be used on various building types, including agricultural buildings, warehouses, schools, and residential buildings.

If you need help controlling the condensation in your pole building or under your metal roof, give Pro-Line Building Company a shout. We can make sure your roofing system is set up to protect your building and all of its contents from moisture-related damage. For more information, reach out to us online or call (877) 252-2706.