Frost Unheated Attic Wall

A michael maines answers and gives advice on the question about bath fan venting for cold climates.

Frost unheated attic wall.

Attic vapor barrier detail for cold climates the best approach for a vented attic in a cold climate is installing a layer of drywall with a good coat of latex paint the paint creates a semi permeable vapor barrier. I have an old home built in 1922 and i reinsulated the attic this fall. When the moisture gets into the attic it condenses on the roof. But plumbing pipes in an unheated area such as an attic crawl space and garage are at risk of freezing.

That s about it pretty simple. When the outside temperature rises again the frost thaws water collects and can leak into. What can we do. Often inexpensive foam pipe insulation is enough for moderately cold climates.

This horizontal layer has to extend throughout the building area outward also. There is also a vapor barrier over the insulation. Frost accumulates in attics when moisture laden air from the house gets up there when it s cold. During winter conditions attic frost is a problem associated with attic bypasses.

Attics with pull down attic stairs should have attic stair insulation covers installed. There is also an electrical switch with frost on the screw heads on that wall. I have seen mega frost in attics where r40 light density fibreglass was on the attic floor and the tegular mushroom vnets and or ridge vents were covered with snow. This winter i hav seen water run out of wall assemblies with fibreglass batting in the framing and rigid foam board on the exterior of the sheathing.

The garage is unheated and the walls ceiling are insulated. For severe climes opt for wrapping problem pipes with thermostatically controlled heat tape from 50 to 200 depending on length which will turn on at. If the attic has blown in cellulose check to see if there is a vapor barrier and confirm the cellulose insulation is spread evenly throughout the attic floor. I m having problems with frost forming on the roof sheathing in my unheated attic.

And it would not add to much weight to attic size is 550 sq. Victorian home much thanks. Should i do anything about my attic ventilation. Should we be concerned.

An alternative for such issue is to design a horizontal layer placed under the foundation of the entire building. There is no form of vertical insulation provided. The common solutions to this ice problem are to use a higher powered fan use a larger diameter shorter duct run and wrap the pipe with better duct insulation. The final step is attic ventilation.

My husband says cold air is coming through the outside soffit and there is no way to insulate this.