Attic Looks Like Snow

A hot ceiling tells you that the attic is acting like a solar oven raising your cooling bills and cooking the shingles.

Attic looks like snow.

Roof lines should be arrow straight. Like gable gambrel homes are not ideal for regions with high wind. Plus it is possible for snow to build up on the top slopes which are not easily accessible. Customers like the snow like look of modern fiberglass.

What s the difference between an asphalt shingle and metal roof. Most of the insulation in that area was sopping wet and had absorbed the water like a sponge. Since the construction is quite simple with fewer materials needed this helps to keep the cost of a roof down. And it was melting fast.

Which would go along with my thoughts on the big vent. Seals blowers and motors last longer when fiberglass is used. Gambrel frames are nice for sheds or even garages. Snow melts and the water refreezes on the cold eaves creating ice dams.

Plus it s simple to frame out. Thick ridges of ice on your eaves in winter are a sign of poor attic ventilation. Much like the mansard the gambrel provides extra living space for a garret attic or loft. Less attic dust fewer dust masks and improved attic visibility.

What causes a sagging roof line. When i went up into the attic to take a look i discovered the problem. Asphalt shingle roofing is a dominant material for residences. However metal roofing is surging in popularity as more aesthetic options become available.

Now there are metal shingles and panels that imitate materials like slate tile wood shake and even asphalt. Looks more like an fan exhaust roof termination. Equipment also stays cleaner. From what i am seeing in pic 4 post 1 i don t think you have snow coming in.

If you can see a dip curve or swag on the peak when standing in the street your roof has a problem. The ridge vents are designed to cover the gap at the top of the roof much like the hat you wear in the rain it is designed to keep rain and snow out under normal conditions. Looks like it would just let the elements whip right in. These dams form when snow covers the roof and rising heat melts only some of it causing liquid water to flow down the roof.

There was about 3 inches of snow resting atop the insulation extending 4 feet away from the vent. Fiberglass is easier on installation equipment. It might be something. Unfortunately if things aren t quite right with the vent and the weather conditions are right you can end up with attic snow.

The roof vent in pic 5 post 1 does not look like a standard roof vent. Looks more like lots of condensation. Warm air that escapes rooms below gets trapped in the attic. Steepness playing a factor in the range and how high the ridge is set.

Icicles may look pretty but they could also be a sign that something is seriously wrong with your roof.