Where in the world is that coming from???

Most homeowners think moisture problems start with a leak. A bad shingle. A failed flashing. A dramatic drip into a bucket. But one of the most common moisture issues we see during inspections never makes a sound and never leaves a puddle. It just quietly shows up as frost on roof nails, damp roof decking, or that mysterious “earthy” smell nobody wants to talk about. The culprit?

Condensation — the sneakiest form of moisture in the house. Condensation happens when warm, moist indoor air sneaks into colder spaces like attics and meets surfaces that are basically winter’s version of an ice-cold soda can. The result is water forming where it doesn’t belong. In cold climates, this can show up as frost in winter that melts later, feeding organic growth and wood damage long after the snow is gone. The roof may be perfectly watertight, but the attic is still having a moisture party — and nobody invited ventilation.

Ironically, newer or recently remodeled homes can be more prone to condensation problems. Tighter construction, added insulation, and fewer air leaks are great for energy efficiency — but without proper ventilation and air sealing, moisture has nowhere to go. Bathrooms fans that don’t actually vent outside, kitchen hoods that recirculate instead of exhaust, and attic bypasses left unsealed all contribute to the problem. Think of it as a traffic jam of warm, wet air with no exit ramp.

The good news? Condensation issues are often very fixable once they’re properly identified. The key is understanding that not all moisture comes from outside the house — sometimes it’s homegrown. During an inspection, spotting early signs of condensation can help prevent bigger headaches down the road, like mold growth or roof deck deterioration. Because when it comes to moisture, it’s usually not the dramatic failures that cause the most damage — it’s the quiet ones working overtime while everyone sleeps.

Don't be afraid to pop your attic scuttle panel off and have a look around your attic, especially in the winter. You may catch a moisture issue before it turns into a major headache.

If you have any topics or ideas you would like to see in a future edition of Homeowner Tidbits feel free to drop me an email at lfreng@inspectionwerx.com and as always "Get the best of US before your new home gets the best of YOU!

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(Due to conflict of interest and ethics requirements, we do not perform repair work on homes

we have inspected in the prior 12 months.)