Most people don’t think of snow as a good gauge for insulation in their homes. Why not? Because they don’t know how they relate. So here is the story.

You are providing heat for your home, to keep you warm. The rate at which the heat escapes determines how fast the snow on your roof melts.

It is very easy for us in the insulation business to determine which homes need insulation by the rate at which the snow melts from the roof.

Take a look around your neighborhood you will see some areas melting very fast, that typically is where the living area meets the roof. Usually in a cathedral ceiling or a staircase. Those big squares melted off, whole house fans. Little circles recessed lights. These are major areas of air leakage, which should be handled by a professional air sealing company.

Air sealing is one of the most important components to insulating. It can save you an additional 20% on energy costs. Air sealing is not commonly practiced throughout the insulation industry. There are few companies that air seal but with the snow on the roof it is apparent. You may have adequate insulation but your snow is still melting. Well if you added up all the air leakage from your living space to the attic it might be the equivalent of leaving a window open.

Leaving a window open in May not so bad but January,February,March not so good. The major problem without air sealing is that open window in your attic floor carries moisture, but that is not a problem now. Go ahead and insulate and the under side of your roof gets cold and that moisture condensates, then you loose your roof. Which by the way costs more than insulation and air sealing.

So next time the snow is off  your roof a week before your neighbors, call a professional insulation and air sealing company.

Our customers in Wilmington, Hockessin, West Chester, and Kennett Square would agree. If you see an Energy Advisors job sign they will be the last to have snow on there roof.