Frost In Attic Space

Common causes of attic frost.

Frost in attic space.

If the attic has blown in cellulose check to see if there is a vapor barrier and confirm the cellulose insulation is spread evenly throughout the attic floor. 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. 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. Why is there ice in my roof.

Frost gets into the attic from air leaks or attic bypasses. This post is largely a re blog of my last post on attic frost but that was from 2013 and it s time for a reminder about all of this. Though attics are typically hot and dry a leaky roof or pipe condensation or severe weather can cause water to enter your attic. To start frost accumulates when moisture laden air from the house gets into the attic.

I ve blogged about attic air leaks many times and i ve shared photos of attic air leaks. When moisture gets into the attic it condenses on the roof sheathing in the form of frost. Frost in your attic space is a sign that warm humid air is somehow getting into your attic space. Frost accumulates in attics when moisture laden air from the house gets up there when it s cold.

When the outside temperature rises again the frost thaws water collects and can leak into. How to dry out an attic. During winter conditions attic frost is a problem associated with attic bypasses. In order to eliminate frost build up in the attic space we have to understand what causes it in the first place.

When the moisture gets into the attic it condenses on the roof. Since our minnesota winters are usually dry the only other source of humid air is your living space. The final step is attic ventilation. Attics with pull down attic stairs should have attic stair insulation covers installed.

Should i do anything about my attic ventilation. That s about it pretty simple.