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frazwood · Dec 19, 2010, 06:22 AM

We purchased a vacation home this year, located in central Minnesota. Rather than heat it all winter, we winterized it.

I went to the place yesterday to check on it, and I noticed that there was a large amount of frost build-up on the windows, doors, and some of the walls (I could definitely tell where the dry walls screws were located).

I have two questions:
(1) How would I prevent this frost build-up in the future?
(2) What should I do now? (I was thinking of scraping up the ice and using a wet-dry vacuum to clean it up).

Thanks!

tkrussell · Dec 19, 2010, 06:34 AM

I would say there is some sort of moisture inside the home, that is evaporating and then condensing on the cold perimeter surfaces of the home.

Either eliminate the source of moisture, and/or create an opening that will allow outside air in to dry out the air inside, or better stated, allow the inside to be of the same temperature and level of humidity.

joypulv · Dec 19, 2010, 08:35 AM

I'm confused about why you would winterize a home you don't use in the winter? Now it can't breathe and let moisture out... and it will rot in a few years. I'd either start heating it or undo the winterizing. Maybe you could rent it to someone for very cheap just for the winter so that it stays heated. Better yet, call it house sitting (free, just pay for heat) so that you don't get into a landlord situation with someone who won't leave.

ballengerb1 · Dec 19, 2010, 11:24 AM

We have no idea how you winterized the home but I am going to guess the last step was just shutting down the heat and locking the door. Prior to locking the door you need to open all doors and windows. The warm moist air in the home must be allowed to escape as the home starts to cool. For now install a dehumidifier and a fan to circulate the air. This will cause the frost to subliminate directly from solid frost to a gas and the into the dehumidifier. If you do not own a dehumidifier you can use chemicals like slat or http://www.dehumidify.com/accounts/94/homepage/

frazwood · Dec 19, 2010, 12:13 PM

Thank you very much!

frazwood · Dec 19, 2010, 12:18 PM

Thanks everyone!

You are correct that we just turned off the heat and walked out the door. I had never winterized a place before and I asked for advice and I did what I was told. I focused almost entirely on the plumbing (so hopefully, that's good in the spring).

Unfortunately, out of ignorance, I made a mistake and didn't open the windows and doors to get the humidity out. Your idea of buying desiccant is a very good one. I will try to get that taken care of this week.

ballengerb1 · Dec 19, 2010, 01:18 PM

Did you add antifreeze to the toilet bowl, tank and into all trapson all fixtures like the sinks tubs, shwer and washers?

frazwood · Dec 19, 2010, 02:42 PM

I added RV antifreeze to everything including the floor drain in the basement (except the toilet tank, which I mopped dry). I also drained the copper piping, followed by application with an air compressor to blast any residual water out. Thanks!