Heavy Frost In Attic

I found this this in a home this morning.

Heavy frost in attic.

When temperatures rise the frost melts and leaks through the ceiling. The owner said that he noticed how wet the attic seemed when he went to get christmas decor. When the outside temperature rises again the frost thaws water collects and can leak into. It looks like the roof is leaking but it s really the melting of a winter s worth of frost in the attic.

It s caused by excessive moisture building up in the attic which then freezes to beams and ceilings. When the moisture gets into the attic it condenses on the roof sheathing in the form of frost. This winter s frigid weather in alberta could trigger more cases than last year of attic rain when warm moist air sneaks into the attic freezes then melts in warm spells like chinooks. The moisture of the air in the attic coming from the heated house below frosts there because it is colder longer and there is also more concentrated air movement thus more moisture passing by at the vent location.

During winter conditions attic frost is a problem associated with attic bypasses. From attic 3 weeks ago. Ashburn december 18 2007 11 50pm 1. Heavy frost in attic.

It s important to realize frost is in your attic for a few reasons. Frost itself doesn t do any damage but once it melts things get wet and then damage occurs. He also stated. Frost in the attic is usually due to high humidity in the home and or poor roof ventilation.

Melting frost can lead to deteriorated roof sheathing mold on the roof sheathing wet insulation and water stains on the ceilings. Frost on nails in attic spaces may frighten you. Frost on nails is frozen condensation. 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.

Moist warm air in the home rises to the attic where it condenses and freezes and forms frost. If it gets colder longer the whole attic may frost dependant on the saturated vapor in the attic air. The frost itself doesn t do any damage but once it melts things get wet which is when the damage. When moisture gets into the attic it condenses on the roof sheathing in the form of frost.