The problem in attics is primarily one of quantity.
Causes of frost in attic.
It is a serious problem because the frost turns into water as it dries out and this water will then leak into the home rot out the roof and joists and cause mold to.
When it reaches the cold surface of the roof sheathing and framing it turns to frost.
When warm air from inside the house escapes traveling up through the bypasses the moisture condenses on the roof boards and rafters where the frost can form.
What you re looking at is evidence of excessive moisture in your house.
Boxes stored in the attic were sometimes wet.
Water vapor is migrating upward and eventually filtering into the attic.
Frost in the attic is no different than anywhere else.
When a warm sunny day arrives after a long cold stretch and it seems like you have a roof leak when there isn t a cloud in the sky it s probably attic icing otherwise known as ice dams or ice damming and the surprising thing is that it s very unlikely that the roof covering itself is the problem.
This frost is the result of warm air rising from the living areas underneath.
The best way to prevent frost from accumulating in an attic is to seal off attic air leaks.
This is bad for several reasons.
Heat loss is when warm air and the moisture that joins it from the conditioned living space moves into the attic.
While seemingly relatively small air leaks may not seem to be important these can add up to a lot of frost accumulation in the attic.
Why does frost form in the attic.
Frost forms in the attic for one reason heat loss.
Well temperature fluctuations like that are a prime culprit for frost in the attic.
The attic is meant to be a cool space in the winter.
My wife ali and i bought an old house 18 months ago.
In one house frost accumulations of up to fifteen hundred pounds were discovered one cold february warm air rising in the house pushes moisture up through cracks in the ceiling.
What causes frost in your attic.
Will it cause any harm.
What causes this frost.
During winter conditions attic frost is a problem associated with attic bypasses.
Why is there ice in my roof.
Last winter i noticed condensation and water droplets on the nails that stick through the roof into the attic.
Frost accumulates in attics when moisture laden air from the house gets up there when it s cold.
Ice frost and water in an attic condensation new construction text.
When the outside temperature rises again the frost thaws water collects and can leak into.
Without proper attic ventilation in your home you could have a considerable amount of frost accumulate in your attic during the cold winter months.
Click the following link for an excellent guide to attic air sealing.
At times there was ice and frost on the nails.
It is caused by warm moist air coming into contact with cold surfaces and dropping its moisture.
That s about it pretty simple.
When the moisture gets into the attic it condenses on the roof.
