Steel Roof Condensation Problems

Metal roof condensation especially with a tin roof can cause serious problems when the metal sweats or rainwater collects under the tin panels.

Steel roof condensation problems.

Improper usage handling and storage by installers. Picture a cloud of moisture floating overhead between the rafters. It can lead to roof leaks even if rain has not occurred for several days. Condensation on metal roofs can be a problem once the weather starts to get cold.

That excess moisture ends up as drops of condensation on the roof. This video shows what a significant condensation problem can look like. If the tin roof sits on top of another material such as wood then you can get a case of wood rot. Essentially condensation occurs at night when the temperature inside a building is warmer than outside.

In the case of the timber trusses and purlins they will rot and eventually lose their stability. Metal gets cold faster than other items so condensation begins on metal first. Although condensation in roofs may not seem like a serious problem it actually is. Having vents in all elevations of the shed is an effective way of minimising metal roof sweating.

It is the leading cause of the deterioration of trusses. Inadequate space allotted for thermal expanding and contracting of the panels. Condensation happens when moisture filled air contacts anything that is below the dew point temperature. Frequent stress from coil slitting cutting and rollforming panels.

This applies to both the timber and steel trusses. The lower the pitch of a metal shed roof and also the deeper the corrugations the worse the problem of metal roof sweating. Having ventilation holes around the roof at eaves level and in the gable walls allows moisture rich air to escape. As it cools it can t hold as much moisture.

The key to getting condensation to evaporate is air flow.