TWIN CITIES WEST Blog

What the Snow on Your Roof in Minnesota Says About Your Insulation

When winter is around the corner, it’s no wonder that homeowners wait for the first snowfall with bated breath. Snow means packed driveways, plows, buried cars, and endless, biting cold. It also means your roof will be working overtime under the pressure of all that snow.

During the winter, homeowners must pay attention to their roofs. The way that snow rests on your roof can tell you a lot about the quality and condition of your attic insulation. If snow is resting the wrong way, you could have a serious insulation problem on your hands. More specifically, what you need to look out for are ice dams.

What are Ice Dams?

Ice dams are thick walls of ice that stand at the edge of your roof. Icicles forming along a lip of ice stuck to the edge of your roof are a sure sign of an ice dam.

What Causes Ice Dams?

When warm air rises through your heated home, it tends to end up in your attic. If your attic is improperly insulated or contractors installed your insulation improperly, that heat will rise to the roof. Over time, your roof will heat up just enough for some snow to melt.

The runoff will roll down to the edge of the roof, where the air is cooler. Once cooled, the runoff will refreeze, forming a thick layer of ice. Eventually, the lip of ice becomes large enough to prevent future runoff from falling off the roof.

Why are Ice Dams a Problem?

When an ice dam forms, it blocks runoff from escaping your roof. Instead, it causes runoff to pool up behind the ice dam, where it can’t refreeze. In this position, a pool of standing water is created on your roof. Standing water is very bad for your roof.

If left alone for a long enough period, that pool of standing water can seep under the shingles and potentially leak into the home. Water damage becomes a certainty.

Ice Dams and Insulation

MN snow and insulation are an important pair. To prevent ice dams from forming, you need sufficient insulation throughout your attic. With proper insulation, you not only prevent ice dams entirely, but you also save energy and reduce your energy bills. By preventing ice dams, you protect your roof and the inside of your home from water damage.

Is Even Coverage of Snow On My Roof Good?

If you haven’t spotted ice dams yet, but you’re worried your home isn’t properly insulated, keep track of how snow rests on your roof. If snow seems to cover your roof evenly over time, you’re all set. Heat isn’t escaping to melt the snow on your roof.

However, if coverage is spotty, and there are areas where there’s snow and areas where there’s nothing, you might have a problem. In that case, it’s best to get a dependable insulation expert to inspect your attic’s insulation.

Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation Today!

If you’re worried about your insulation, book a free consultation at Koala Insulation of Twin Cities West.