Home Garden

How to Dry Out an Attic After an Ice Storm

Wake up after an ice storm to find that your attic has frozen over? Don't panic; this happens in a lot of older homes. There are two culprits: poor ventilation and roofing nails that drip condensation and actual snow into the attic. To prevent the growth of dangerous mold as well as the potential for water damage on your ceiling rafters, you need to address this problem immediately, both getting rid of the ice and making sure this doesn't happen again.

Things You'll Need

  • Dehumidifier
  • Fans
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn up the heat, which rises in your home. Turn up your thermostat and open up the crawlspace doors to encourage more upward air flow.

    • 2

      Set up a large dehumidifier in the attic. Place the unit in an area that is safe and dry. Dump the water collection tank frequently.

    • 3

      Run fans. Place fans in dry areas and point them at areas that are wet. Run them on high. Check the fans frequently to make sure they do not tip over.

    • 4

      Prevent a recurrence. Talk to a roofing specialist to have proper vents and a vapor barrier installed in your attic.