Attic Looks Like Snow Insulation

In general it looks like shredded gray paper.

Attic looks like snow insulation.

Box out light fixtures. Common signs of problems with insulation. 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. Plywood to move around on.

Proper attic insulation is the best way to prevent heat loss in the winter and retain cool air in the summer. There was about 3 inches of snow resting atop the insulation extending 4 feet away from the vent. If you have loose fill insulation that is gray soft and without a shine it is probably cellulose insulation. Cellulose insulation is a perfectly safe type of insulation that is commonly blown into attics.

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. Insulation comes in a variety of colors. If you notice one or more of these occurring you probably need to take action. If your attic doesn t have a walkway take two small 2 x 4 ft sheets of 1 2 in.

And it was melting fast. Customers like the snow like look of modern fiberglass. Most of the insulation in that area was sopping wet and had absorbed the water like a sponge. Icicles may look pretty but they could also be a sign that something is seriously wrong with your roof.

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. When i went up into the attic to take a look i discovered the problem. 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.

Warm moist air trapped in the attic condenses and freezes on the wood. Retrofitting is adding blown in insulation to an existing attic. Frost on the underside of the roof or rafters. Blown in insulation is the best way to increase an attic s r value.

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. There are four especially common signs of problems with attic insulation. 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. So it s time to pay close attention to what s happening up there.

Here are the signs to look for. Cellulose contains a high percentage of recycled paper and does not contain minerals.