Frost Damage to a Home's Interior

General Information

• Frost damage generally occurs when frost accumulates near a susceptible part of your home and later melts when the temperature outdoors rises. Numerous causes can result in frost damage and each cause requires a different approach to prevent future frost problems.

Frost on Walls

• Frost damage on your walls can occur in your home when water vapor comes in contact with the cold wall. Water vapor can form in the air from boiling water in the kitchen, the shower and indoor plants. This vapor causes condensation to accumulate on your walls and may penetrate inside the wall. If your walls have become water damaged, you may need to replace the drywall. Use a humidifier on a low setting and limit your water usage when the temperature is low in the house.

Attic Frost

• Frost can enter through the attic area through the attic bypass system. Moisture can accumulate on top of the attic rafters and then thaw when the temperature rises. The water can then leak inside the house, causing ceiling damage and mold buildup. Adding insulation can help keep the attic warmer and less susceptible to frost accumulation.

Foundation Problems

• If frost develops in the soil by your home's foundation, it can damage your home's foundation if the frost permeates the basement floor. Add insulation to your foundation to avoid this problem.

Frost on Windows

• Frost commonly seeps through windows to create damage to the window sill. This can cause the wood to rot or for the walls under the window to become moisture damaged. Like frost damage to doors, frost can develop near windows because of excess water vapor. Decrease the amount of water that you use during the cold temperatures, and upgrade your insulation. However, if a lot of condensation repeatedly appears on windows in spite of your decrease in water usage, have your windows inspected for sealing problems, cracked paint or chips in the glass.