Severe Winter Weather

In winter, a warm attic can melt snow on the roof, causing water to run down and refreeze at the roof’s edge where it’s cooler.  If ice builds up and blocks water from draining, water is forced under the roof covering and into the attic or down the inside walls, causing damage.

Seal all ceiling penetrations into the attic to limit the amount of heat that escapes into the attic space.  Replace any seals that may be worn.

To determine if your attic floor has enough insulation:

• Use a ruler to measure the height of the existing insulation:
• Areas exposed to freezing weather require a minimum of R-38 insulation - a 10 to 12-inch fiberglass blanket or batt insulation is required to achieve this level.
• R-49 insulation should be installed in northern states exposed to extreme temperatures.  This requires approximately 12 to 15 inches of fiberglass blanket or batt insulation.
• Other insulation types may require a different insulation thickness to achieve the same R-value.
• Always install unfaced insulation over existing insulation. 
• Paper-backed or foil-backed (i.e. faced insulation) may create a vapor barrier between insulation layers that can lead to moisture accumulation in your attic.

BONUS!  You may be eligible for energy saving federal tax credits when you increase the amount of insulation in your attic.  Check www.irs.gov for more information.  Additionally, many states and local municipalities offer similar energy efficiency credits.

Additional tip: Have a professional roofing contractor evaluate the roof ventilation of your home.  A good time to do this is when you are considering the replacement of your roof covering.