Attic Looks Like Snow Insulation

Here are the signs to look for.

Attic looks like snow insulation. When i went up into the attic to take a look i discovered the problem. 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. There was about 3 inches of snow resting atop the insulation extending 4 feet away from the vent. Icicles may look pretty but they could also be a sign that something is seriously wrong with your roof.

Most of the insulation in that area was sopping wet and had absorbed the water like a sponge. Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer. Cellulose insulation is a perfectly safe type of insulation that is commonly blown into attics. If you notice one or more of these occurring you probably need to take action.

Customers like the snow like look of modern fiberglass. 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. I ve already had the insulation upgraded there is minimal frost build up on the inside of the rafters just snow around the gable vent which happens to be beside the attic access there was no snow a bit further into the attic but i didn t do a thorough inspection as the blow in covers the rafters and i cant see them so i need to put some boards up there to try and walk on without going. Fiberglass is easier on installation equipment.

In general it looks like shredded gray paper. Common signs of problems with insulation. Cover all your skin to protect it from the itchy insulation and wear a dust mask. Department of energy notes that 75 percent of mineral wool is derived from post industrial content.

Another temporary solution is to remove the snow from the roof before it can turn into ice and penetrate the roof system. 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. Blown in insulation is the best way to increase an attic s r value. So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there.

Plywood to move around on. Frost on the underside of the roof or rafters. If you have loose fill insulation that is gray soft and without a shine it is probably cellulose insulation. 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. If your attic doesn t have a walkway take two small 2 x 4 ft sheets of 1 2 in. Retrofitting is adding blown in insulation to an existing attic. Box out light fixtures.

Seals blowers and motors last longer when fiberglass is used. And it was melting fast.