1. Stop at the safety boundary
Do not add powered attic fans as a default; they can increase suction from the house.
2. Capture the baseline
Take one context photo, one close view and a short note describing location, date, weather, recent water use, equipment state and occupancy.
3. Track the trigger
Cold weather, snow cover and indoor humidity.
4. Compare, do not assume
Supports this pathway
- Frost aligns with blocked eave bays
- Baffles are missing or crushed
- Moisture is broader than one roof defect
Weakens this pathway
- A direct roof leak is visible
- Vent paths are open and air leakage is concentrated elsewhere
- The pattern is limited to one penetration
5. Repeat only safe checks
- Inspect visible eave baffles from safe access
- Map frost or staining distribution
- Check major ceiling penetrations from below
6. Decide the next step
If the pattern is active, expanding, safety-related or requires opening inaccessible construction, stop self-help testing and prepare an evidence-based handoff. A building-envelope professional can evaluate air sealing and ventilation as one system.
7. Verify the outcome
After any action, repeat the same observation under a comparable trigger. A dry surface immediately after work is not sufficient proof when the original symptom was intermittent.
Observe→Compare triggers→Repair source→Verify outcome
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