What's that uneven snow melt?

More than two feet of snow fell in some communities during the 2016 winter storm.   Snow is a blessing and a curse for a home inspector. On the one hand I get the chance to look for active leaks, but on the other hand many defects are hidden and I can’t fully inspect certain areas. There is one major benefit to inspecting after a snowfall though, and that is the ability to see if a finished attic is properly insulated and vented.

Finished attics prevent a home inspector from seeing many things on the underside of the roof like proper rafter construction, electrical wiring, possible mold, and proper insulation amongst other things. So how can snow help a home inspector detect improper insulation and venting? Uneven snow melt.

Warm air rises, and if an attic is not insulated properly this warm air will leave your home and enter your attic. Since your attic is now warmer than it would be otherwise, and since your venting may not be sufficient enough, the snow on the roof begins to melt in an uneven symmetrical pattern. The rafter themselves supporting the roof are providing some level of insulation so the section of the roof over the rafter will melt slower.  

Proper attic insulation and venting is essential to preventing heat loss and promoting an energy-efficient home.

Uneven snow melt on your roof is just one of the minor problems with insufficient ventilation and insulation. Ice dams forming is the major problem of this attic defect and the real cause for concern. Melted snow flows down the roof and towards the eaves where it can collect and refreeze. If it freezes it can cause damage to the shingles, the gutters, and the siding of your house.  Have you seen those pretty icicles at the eaves of a roof? While pretty to look at, these icicles are dangerously sharp and a sure sign that ice damming could be happening to your home.

If you see any of the signs above—uneven snow melt, icicles forming at the eaves, and or major difference in temperatures in a finished attic--you should contact a qualified contractor to check the insulation in your attic and the venting.

Next time you take Sparky for a walk keep an eye on the neighbor's roof. You could save them some money and maybe earn yourself a nice hot chocolate.

Three Keys to Hiring the Right Home Inspector

House hunting can be a very stressful experience, between checking neighborhood stats, looking at school districts, and calculating  what your commute will be like  the process can feel overwhelming. Unfortunately finding your dream home isn't the end, now you have to worry about applying for your mortgage, getting an attorney and finding a good home inspector.

Here are Three Keys to finding the best home inspector you can

1. Ask your friends and family – Home  Inspection is one of the last professions that still relies on good word of mouth. If you know anyone that has recently purchased a home chances are the got a home inspection done too. Ask what they liked and disliked about the inspector they hired and whether or not they would recommend him/her. At worse you will learn things to look out for when you do your research.

2. Get sample reports/references – Whether you find your inspector through a referral or by googling you should always ask to see a sample report or to speak with a former client. If your inspector can't provide either of these items that's a red flag. 

3.  Go with your gut – It may sound like a cliche but its true, trust your gut. It doesn't matter if the inspector has glowing reviews, if you don't feel comfortable with him/her move on. You can always find another inspector but you wont forgive yourself if you go against your gut and something goes wrong. 

There are plenty of other things to consider but we feel these are the most important. Thank you for reading and good luck!