Attic Looks Like Snow Insulation

Common signs of problems with insulation.

Attic looks like snow insulation.

Plywood to move around on. Customers like the snow like look of modern fiberglass. The best way to prevent or reduce ice dams is to eliminate or reduce the amount of warm air that is escaping into the attic and melting snow on the roof to the point where it creates glacier like ice build up. If you notice one or more of these occurring you probably need to take action.

And it was melting fast. Box out light fixtures. Icicles may look pretty but they could also be a sign that something is seriously wrong with your roof. Department of energy notes that 75 percent of mineral wool is derived from post industrial content.

In general it looks like shredded gray paper. Brown insulation is made up of mineral wool which comes from either rock natural materials or slag the scum on the surface of molten metal. Here are the signs to look for. Another temporary solution is to remove the snow from the roof before it can turn into ice and penetrate the roof system.

If your attic doesn t have a walkway take two small 2 x 4 ft sheets of 1 2 in. Cover all your skin to protect it from the itchy insulation and wear a dust mask. If you have loose fill insulation that is gray soft and without a shine it is probably cellulose insulation. Warm moist air trapped in the attic condenses and freezes on the wood.

Unless you re using mineral wool insulation or your fixtures are rated safe for contact with any type of insulation don t allow the material to touch or cover recessed cans or. Insulation comes in a variety of colors. When i went up into the attic to take a look i discovered the problem. Fiberglass is easier on installation equipment.

Retrofitting is adding blown in insulation to an existing attic. Cellulose contains a high percentage of recycled paper and does not contain minerals. Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer. So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there.

There are four especially common signs of problems with attic insulation. Look for water stains on the roof sheathing or damp or moldy spots on attic joists and existing insulation as a clue to where leaks might be. Frost on the underside of the roof or rafters. Blown in insulation is the best way to increase an attic s r value.

There was about 3 inches of snow resting atop the insulation extending 4 feet away from the vent. Seals blowers and motors last longer when fiberglass is used.