Maintenance Committee

By David Michaelson, Chair

As we recover from the recent big storm and deep freeze, this is a good opportunity to take advantage of our snowfall and determine what shape your insulation and attic ventilation are in

Because we have had so much snow and sleet and such low temperatures, most of our roofs have been covered for an extended time. However, as the snow starts to melt away, some may clear faster than others. The ones who keep snow on their roofs longer will likely have good insulation and attic ventilation because the heat from inside will not be escaping from the interior of the house to heat up the roof. 

If you find your snow and ice melting faster than your neighbors’, it might be a good idea to assess both the attic insulation and ventilation. Note that this is a different issue from HVAC: An attic has an intake through the soffits and an exhaust through a gable vent, ridge vent, or power fan . . . and more exhaust is not necessarily better—but that is a topic for another time.

The recent snow has also created prime conditions for ice dams to occur, although most homes with newer roofs should not have that problem. Older roofs may not either, but there is an increased risk.

This is a good time to assess your roof, which serves as your home’s biggest barrier against the elements. You will definitely want the person doing that checkup to be qualified, vetted, and accountable. To ensure that is the case, you should verify the company’s license by visiting the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation’s License Lookup at https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup. Search by company name or license number. You should never feel awkward asking a contractor for proof of license and insurance. A legitimate professional will appreciate the question and be able to provide the requested information quickly.