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Frost in the Attic
Attics of unfinished homes with no insulation often get damp after raining heavily. Homeowners usually install a kerosene heater to dry this particular area of the house. Despite this, there are instances when frost accumulates in the rafters and roof sheathing. If this happens, homeowners should realize that they have a serious problem on their hands.
Frost buildup in your attic can be attributed to three likely sources:
- Combustion of the kerosene heater or any fossil fuel such as gasoline, oil, propane and gas produces water vapor and this could turn to frost during cold days.
- Water vapor that seeped from the living space downstairs. Keep in mind that as soon as the water vapor comes into contact with any cold surface, whether glass, metal or even wood, it becomes liquid water.
- Water leaks from your chimney to the attic can be evaporating, resulting to presence of water vapor.
As soon as you have determined the source of the water vapor, you can determine how you can solve your frost problem. If you want, you can immediately place an oscillating fan up in the attic in order to improve ventilation and allow the air to circulate better. It is possible that there will be sublimation of the frost and the water vapor can escape outdoor.
Come spring time, it is recommended that you apply a siloxane / silane water repellent on your chimney in order to prevent water from seeping in the masonry. In addition to this, you must apply masonry sealer, preferably brush-on, on the chimney crowns and mortar joints to discourage water seepage.
Lastly, make sure that your roof is checked for leaks which will allow water to enter the attic.
If you are still having frost issues, you should immediately look for a skilled technician who is experienced in dealing with this sort of problem.