Preventing Frost Build-Up with Proper Attic Ventilation

Without proper attic ventilation in your home, you may find that there is a considerable amount of frost that accumulates during the cold winter months. This frost is a result of the warm air that is rising from the living areas underneath. This is a serious problem because the frost turns into water as it dries out. This water will then leak into the home, rot out the roof and joists, and cause mold to grow. Getting this fixed should be a priority as soon as you notice the frost building up.

Repair vs. Prevention

One of the most important aspects of owning a home is knowing how to prevent certain situations before they start to develop. Even after you find symptoms of a problem, preventative measures can be implemented to keep it from happening again. The money that is spent with any prevention is still less than any repairs that are needed as a result of severe damage. Preventing the frost from building, before it ever gets started, will keep your home safe from water damage and costly repairs.

Install Attic Vent Chutes

The best type of attic ventilation is with the use of attic vent chutes. These chutes are installed along the rafters and down into the soffit area. The chutes are either foam based, or a hard cardboard material. They work to help the air flowing throughout the attic area, as well as removing hotter air, so that the humid air does not stay inside. The installation is fairly easy and can be done by a do it yourself homeowner.

Install Attic Fan

When it comes to keeping the frost out of the attic area, this can be done easily through the use of an attic fan. Attic ventilation is made very easy when you have an automated process by which the temperature and the humidity level is regulated according to the parameters you set. The attic fans can be solar powered so that there isn't any other draw on the electrical bill. Some attic fans are operated through the atmosphere pressures itself. The installation is more involved than attic vent chutes, but can still be done by a do-it-yourselfer.

Seal Heat Loss Areas

An important part of the process of preventing the build up of frost within the attic you will need to check for any heat leaks from the living space underneath. Even with adequate attic ventilation, any escaping heat from the living space below will have moisture in it. This can easily freeze during very cold days.

Inspect the entire attic area for any heat leaks that may be present. You can do this with the use of an infrared thermometer, or by simply sitting in the attic on a very cold day. Mark any locations where you feel heat rising so that you can seal it over with caulking and insulation.

Attic Ventilation for Preventing Frost

Frost in the attic area of your home is a dangerous problem. Not only can mold grow, but the integrity of the home can be severely compromised if not taken care of. Use these suggestions to help prevent frost from appearing in your attic space.