Frost In Attic During Winter

The air in the attic has water in it and it condenses on the cold metal.

Frost in attic during winter. As the moisture migrates upwards to the colder attic areas during the winter months the relative humidity is increased to the point that condensation can occur on cold surfaces. Frost gets into the attic from air leaks or attic bypasses. 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. The resulting thick layer of frost remained for several weeks until the weather warmed or a reasonable layer of snow covered the roofs to provide some insulation from the very cold exterior.

It looks like the roof is leaking but it s really the melting of a winter s worth of frost in the attic. House pressure affects. This moisture can seep into the structure of your home affecting roofing materials as well as framing and contents of your attic. This is why you see the frost.

The more humid a house is the more frost you ll find in the attic. In the winter heat in your home rises to the attic. When that warm moist air meets the chilly underside of your roof s deck condensation occurs. Attic condensation generally happens during winter spring months when warm moist air from the main living area rises into the attic space.

With it comes moisture. The tips of the nails are supposed to penetrate through the wood on your roof. The conditions that cause ice dams often cause attic condensation too. This can result in mold rust and deterioration of wood and structural fasteners.

A point often overlooked is that since it s winter the water freezes on the cold nails. When the outside temperature rises again the frost thaws water collects and can leak into your house. More indoor humidity more frost in the attic. A tool like this shoots nails through shingles.

When attics are not well ventilated moisture collects in this area of the home. How to prevent frost in the attic frost comes from air leaks. In the winter attic condensation often turns into frost which actually doesn t pose any threat. During winter conditions attic frost is a problem associated with attic bypasses.

I ve blogged about attic air.