GRAND RAPIDS Blog

Snow on Your Roof? It’s a Good Sign | Koala Insulation of Grand Rapids

The snow has finally decided to make its appearance in the Grand Rapids area for the season! After an unseasonably warm and dry winter, it might be a welcome sight for many of us.

Did you know that you can tell a lot about your home’s health and insulation when it snows outside? Roof / attic insulation and snow can either work together or against each other when it comes to your home. Read on to learn more.

Slowly Melting Snow

Check out your roof after a snowfall. Do you still see snow, or is it already starting to melt off?

While different factors like temperature and sunlight can affect how long the snow stays on your roof, one good indication that your attic doesn’t have proper insulation is that the snow immediately starts melting, even if it is still cold outside. That’s because the warm air created by your house is quickly rising into the attic and is affecting the temperature of your roof.

A properly insulated home will retain a cooler roof temperature, which will keep the snow from rapidly melting and running down to your roof edge. Take a walk around your neighborhood after it snows to look at the surrounding houses, and you might just be surprised at how many bare roofs you see!

If Snow Is Melting Unevenly

Another sign that there is an issue going on with your attic insulation is if the snow is melting in an uneven pattern. If there is a section of your roof that is always the first to show through the snow, it might be because there is little or no insulation in that area.

One of the best ways to address this issue is to have us come out to evaluate your space professionally. We can use our thermal imaging cameras to detect rapid energy loss, even behind finished walls or ceilings.

Ice Dam Dangers

Ice dams are a serious problem that can lead to structural damage not only to your roof but also to your attic and the structural supports of your home. If your roof is too warm, the snow will quickly melt and start to run down to the edge of your roof, where it will refreeze when the water comes into contact with the freezing edge of your roof and gutters.

Over time, this ice buildup will grow and can actually force itself under your shingles and into your attic space.

Once inside, that ice will melt and you can guarantee that you will not only be dealing with structural damage but also with water damage or even mold infestations. A simple fix to this issue is to address your insulation! Adding the right insulation material in the right thickness will support your roof during snowfalls and can help your entire home retain more energy while you stay comfy and cozy inside.

In need of an attic insulation upgrade? Call Koala Insulation of Grand Rapids.