Is it true

[tiggerblue10]

that you can tell how effective your insulation is by the snow on your roof? My dad says that if the snow stays on the roof and doesn't melt this is a good indication that your insulation is good. I've just looked out the window and seen some roofs where the snow has almost all melted and others where it has stayed put.

[VHG]

The majority of heat is lost through the roof, windows and walls. And as heat rises, and the loft is usually a huge empty space, most of that probably goes through the roof.

So I guess there is some truth that if there is still snow on a roof the insulation must be good.

However I guess there are other factors, like if the loft has been converted into a room, and that has heating in it, then that will filter up through the roof as the loft area is warmer.

Also if a house is empty all day with no heating during the day the roof will still have snow as the house is colder.

But if somebody is in all day, with the heating on, then more heat is bound to go up to the roof.

I think snow on the roof is a general guide, but not the total indication.

[VHG]

I forgot to ad that it also depends what direction the roof is facing, and where the sun hits.

I think in winter the South facing roof will get the sun whereas a North facing one wont.

So a South facing roof will lose its snow quicker than a North facing one.

[redcrx]

it would be an indication, yes.
Manys a time when drug growing operations have been busted too because of the amount of heat escaping from the roof. I suppose the growers cant afford enough insulation to hide it (or are growing it in the attic itself) http://www.bbc.co.uk/...icestershire-12026743

(im not suggesting that your neighbours are all growing illegal substances btw)

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks VHG,

Upstairs is always so cold due to the weather but I thought heat rises. During the summer my bedroom is like a sauna.

[Clanad]

That's generally true... except here in the U.S. the roof style on newer homes has evolved to the high pitched style (usually at least 7:12 rather than the older standard 4:12). In doing so, a roof with less than desirable insulation may not melt the snow on the roof because of the volume of air above the ceiling joists and the amount of ventilation usually built into such roofs. If your's is a flatter style and the snow remains for a long period you probably have sufficient insulation. Here, at least 12 to 18 inches of blown-in or rolled fiberglass is recommended. I like (in our western U.S. area) more... say 18 to 20 inches of blown-in fiberglass...

[tiggerblue10]

Lol Red, you'd be surprised! My evil neighbours (who isn't there anymore) house was raided a few years ago and drugs and fireamrs were found in her house!

[tiggerblue10]

My roof is the pointy style one Clanad. I'm not good with roofs so I don't really know how else describe it.

[buildersmate]

Church?

[gingejbee]

I can confirm VHG's comment re direction house faces. Front of my house faces south and half of the snow has gone; the north-facing rear still has most of the roof covered.

[tiggerblue10]

I've looked up the roof type and its "Gabled". When I looked outside at other windows along the road some had complete snow covering and others were more patchy. They are all facing the same direction so it could be to do with the insulation. Funnily enough this morning I saw a van parked on the other side of the road with the company name and loft insulation across it.

[bibblebub]

there can be other reasons http://www.bbc.co.uk/...icestershire-12023063

[tiggerblue10]

Thats what Redcrx said above Bibble. And see my reply to her.