Why Is There Frost In My Attic

Frost forms in the attic for one reason heat loss.

Why is there frost in my attic.

While many homeowners usually associate dampness with basements or crawl spaces attics can suffer from moisture problems just as easily which can lead to damaged insulation structural issues and problems with mold. That might still exist hidden in a closet for example. You definitely don t want frost in your attic. Can sun get to the roof you will have either frost or water collecting.

Frost comes from air leaks. That s about it pretty simple. But let s be logical. When moisture gets into the attic it condenses on the roof sheathing in the form of frost.

Heat loss is when warm air and the moisture that joins it from the conditioned living space moves into the attic. Melting frost can lead to deteriorated roof sheathing mold on the roof sheathing wet insulation and water stains on the ceilings. The attic is meant to be a cool space in the winter. Water vapor is migrating upward and eventually filtering into the attic.

This is bad for several reasons. Frost can also warp the wood in your attic cause shorts in electrical infrastructure and damage anything you may be storing up there. If your roof has a peak and your interior ceilings are flat there s got to be an attic. When the house was constructed there was likely an attic access somewhere.

Depending on the temperature and the insolation ie. To start frost shows up in the attic when moisture laden air from the house gets into the attic. Frost and ice forms in attics when warm humid air accumulates and condenses on the underside of your roof sheathing. The colder it is outside the more frost will accumulate in an attic.

When the moisture gets into the attic it condenses on the roof. Frost gets into the attic from air leaks or attic bypasses. To start frost accumulates when moisture laden air from the house gets into the attic. Once we get a week of sub zero temperatures frost will really start to accumulate in attics.

When it reaches the cold surface of the roof sheathing and framing it turns to frost. Temperatures in minnesota have been in the teens lately which is plenty cool enough for frost to develop in attics. That s about it pretty simple. If you already have frost in your attic i can assure you that it s only going to get worse winter is still two weeks away.

If you have a flat roof then possibly there isn t an attic there may be just an air space. Attic clean up professionals always look for signs of moisture in attics and homeowners should regularly do this as well. Why does frost form in the attic.