It’s that time of year now that winter has returned. On frosty and snowy mornings melt patterns will become readily visible. As you look at the patterns the mosaic of patterns will show which homes are more air-tight and well insulated than others. The differences from house to house, new or old, can be very impressive. Take a look as you drive through the beautiful valley and hill-towns and inspect the energy efficiency of our communities housing stock. Just be safe and keep eyes on the road! Below are some early winter examples of good, poor and bad signatures.

Kneewall roof melt followed by insulated slope then attic melt.

A classic cape. Kneewall roof melt followed by insulated slope then attic melt

Yikes! Massive heat loss and snow melt. The rafters show the best insulation!

Classic late 1800s farm house…Yikes! Massive heat loss and snow melt. The rafters show the best insulation!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well insulated roof but, details at wall top plate missed

1900s farm house with a fully insulated roof. The wall to rafter interface is not air tight but the roof proper looks good. Notice new addition framing melt and the faint melt line of rafters.