During winter conditions attic frost is a problem associated with attic bypasses.
Frost in attic during winter.
This is why you see the frost.
If you have a roof leak in the winter months and it s not being caused by ice dam there may be another culprit.
Frost accumulates in attics when moisture laden air from the house gets up there when it s cold.
Attic condensation the conditions that cause ice dams often cause attic condensation too.
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.
During winter there are usually three sources of humidity in an attic.
This exact same process is happening in your attic during extreme cold weather.
That s about it pretty simple.
The nails that you see in your attic get as cold as the outdoor temperature.
A point often overlooked is that since it s winter the water freezes on the cold nails.
This will freeze if attic temperatures remain below freezing causing frost to build up.
When the moisture gets into the attic it condenses on the roof.
Sealing your attic access hatch to prevent the movement of indoor air past the edges is the first step.
1 a leak 2 air infiltration from the living spaces and 3 incorrect venting of kitchen bathroom washer drier or plumbing vents.