• Nickerson Roofing
  • Nickerson Roofing
  • Nickerson Roofing
  • Nickerson Roofing

Should I Worry About Frost on My Roof? What Does it Mean when it Melts & More in Tahoe City, CA?

Come winter, most homeowners will prepare the roof for the coming snow in the hope they can prevent snow or ice damage. However, while many homeowners focus on the roof’s surface, don’t forget about the interior structure as well. One winter nuisance that can affect your attic is ‘attic frost.’ Attic frost may feel like just a nuisance, but it can lead to severe damages if left unchecked. Nickerson Roofing will share how home owners can prevent attic frost to help protect your home’s roof.

Is Attic Frost Normal?

Attic frost occurs when high moisture levels are in the air, which then enter into the attic through the attic’s ventilation vents. With condensation now trapped inside the attic, combined with cold air, the fine layer of water turns to ice. Now there is a fine coat of ice covering your attic which is commonly referred to as attic frost. Where essentially the frost itself doesn’t harm your attic, it’s the moisture that can. If the day warms up enough, the frost melts and the moisture then soaks into the wood, insulation, and other inner materials of the attic. The longer the moisture sets inside the attic space the deeper it goes which is a major problem. As the season warms up and your attic gets damp from winter frost, mold will quickly begin to develop. This leads to decaying wood and insulation along with a health threatening environment.

How Do I Keep MY Attic Warm in the Winter & Prevent Frost

To prevent attic frost, start by combating humidity. Humidity produced throughout the home can add moisture to the air and get inside your attic. During the winter season those with humidifiers should turn them off. Areas inside the home that produce humidity such as bathrooms, laundry room, and kitchen should use the ventilation fan for 30 minutes to an hour to help remove the moisture in the air. Remember heat rises up which helps keep the attic spaces warmer during the winter. Make sure there is a vapor barrier that is between the attic and the areas that produce humidity. However, if frost has already occurred, you can melt the frost causing the moisture damage to occur. This is why you want to prevent the attic from freezing. You will want to protect the attic by sealing it off. The smallest air leak can allow moisture to enter the attic. Make sure to seal off all air leaks that can enter your attic.

Roof & Attic Inspection

Making sure your home’s roof is prepared for winter is essential to preventing ice or frost damage. If your home’s roof is prone to attic frost, seek out professional help in making sure your attic has proper insulation. Additionally, they can help locate and control points of air leaks. It is also recommended that you inspect your home’s roof, and attic to look for signs of structural damage or weakness before the upcoming winter.

Roof Repair, Replacement & More in Truckee, Mystic, Tahoe City, Kings Beach & The North Lake Tahoe Basin of California

If your roof requires repairs or replacement this winter, contact Nickerson Roofing. We provide inspections for roofing, gutters, and more. To schedule our services, contact Nickerson Roofing today.

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