Steel Roof Condensation Problems

It is the leading cause of the deterioration of trusses.

Steel roof condensation problems.

Essentially condensation occurs at night when the temperature inside a building is warmer than outside. It can lead to roof leaks even if rain has not occurred for several days. If the tin roof sits on top of another material such as wood then you can get a case of wood rot. Metal gets cold faster than other items so condensation begins on metal first.

As it cools it can t hold as much moisture. Having ventilation holes around the roof at eaves level and in the gable walls allows moisture rich air to escape. Condensation on metal roofs can be a problem once the weather starts to get cold. Having vents in all elevations of the shed is an effective way of minimising metal roof sweating.

Although condensation in roofs may not seem like a serious problem it actually is. Warm wet air rises and meets the cold roof and cools. Inadequate space allotted for thermal expanding and contracting of the panels. In the case of the timber trusses and purlins they will rot and eventually lose their stability.

Frequent stress from coil slitting cutting and rollforming panels. Improper usage handling and storage by installers. This applies to both the timber and steel trusses. The key to getting condensation to evaporate is air flow.

Picture a cloud of moisture floating overhead between the rafters. Metal roof condensation especially with a tin roof can cause serious problems when the metal sweats or rainwater collects under the tin panels. The lower the pitch of a metal shed roof and also the deeper the corrugations the worse the problem of metal roof sweating. This video shows what a significant condensation problem can look like.

That excess moisture ends up as drops of condensation on the roof.