Interesting snow melt pattern.

[mnahrgang]

I did a drive-by of a home I'm inspecting tomorrow (so I haven't been inside yet.) It's new construction.

Take a look at the snow on the right hand side of the roof. Notice how it has melted in a large circle. Without knowing whats going on inside (because I haven't been there yet either), anyone have any educated guesses as to what would cause the snow to melt like this?

[bzimbelman]

Originally Posted by mnahrgang

I did a drive-by of a home I'm inspecting tomorrow (so I haven't been inside yet.) It's new construction.

Take a look at the snow on the right hand side of the roof. Notice how it has melted in a large circle. Without knowing whats going on inside (because I haven't been there yet either), anyone have any educated guesses as to what would cause the snow to melt like this?

Bathroom vents into the attic

Actually not my area of expertise, the three days we've had snow on a roof past noon in the four years I've been here, well, I haven't been all that busy those days so it's not my area of expertise!

Obviously something is allowing heat to get to that location, either a weak spot in the insulation blanket, or something vented to the attic space but not through.

Good Luck!

[relliott]

It may mean nothing.
Angle of the sun coming from the left hand side, combined with the triangular shape formed by the valley's and wind which may have left that area a little more shallow of snow.

[mnahrgang]

I was wondering if it might just be what it is. Less snow, more sun.

As I'm taking the picture, I'm facing East with the sun at my back (late afternoon.)

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by mnahrgang

I did a drive-by of a home I'm inspecting tomorrow (so I haven't been inside yet.) It's new construction.

Take a look at the snow on the right hand side of the roof. Notice how it has melted in a large circle. Without knowing whats going on inside (because I haven't been there yet either), anyone have any educated guesses as to what would cause the snow to melt like this?

I do not think it is snow melt I feel it is the way the snow was deposited with the wind currents and eddies .
...Cookie

[David A. Andersen]

I have found that snow melt is related to what we see in thermal imaging cameras!

It just is not around long enough to be of good use in every inspection!

If you watched Mythbusters last night, you will know that a clothed snow man melts different than one without a coat!

[Scott A. Figert]

It could also be the pull down stairway in the garage as most do not have an insulated cover over them.

[James H. Bushart]

Perhaps it is the spot directly over the area that the real estate salesman was standing when he/she heard that their client was NOT using an ASHI inspector.

[mnahrgang]

Originally Posted by jbushart

Perhaps it is the spot directly over the area that the real estate salesman was standing when he/she heard that their client was NOT using an ASHI inspector.

No agent involved. These folks are buying directly from the builder.

[mnahrgang]

Originally Posted by sfigert

It could also be the pull down stairway in the garage as most do not have an insulated cover over them.

OOOH.... Excelling thinking. I was told that the attic hatch is in the garage. I'll be sure to check that out.

[relliott]

Is the garage heated though.

[msylvester]

Aliens?

[James F. McKee]

I have a spot like that above my whole house fan every time it snows....I suppose i should cover that in the winter time ....oh well....

[Roy D. Cooke, Sr]

Originally Posted by msylvester

Aliens?

Do they give heat ,I want one where can I get one soon .
I thinks the fire went out at Global warming .
Too Cold and to dam much snow and this is Canada where we are used to it I feel very sorry for my southern friends who are not used to this much so soon
Please Reply soon .
....Cookie
</IMG>

[Scott A. Figert]

Garage does not need to be heated. Just entering the house will leave heat into the garage, and the concrete floor is its own radiant heater. Many garages will maintain above 32 deg. temps. far into the winter months.
You may want to suggest a stairway insulation cover. Can be found on the internet.