You nailed it with the air sealing before insulation—so many folks skip that step and end up frustrated. I’m curious, when you checked your attic, did you find any weird moisture spots? Sometimes green roofs can actually help with thermal regulation, but only if the structure’s up for it. I’ve seen a couple of neighbors underestimate snow load, too… did you get an engineer to look at your buddy’s rafters, or just a contractor’s opinion?
Funny you mention the attic—I’ve seen more than a few surprises up there over the years. Last winter, I checked out a property after a cold snap and found these odd, dark patches around some old can lights. Turned out to be condensation from air leaks, not a roof leak like I first thought. Air sealing really does save headaches, but you’ve got to keep an eye on moisture sneaking in from weird spots.
About green roofs, I’m a bit skeptical unless the structure’s been beefed up. One of my tenants was all-in on the idea, but their house was built in the ‘60s and the rafters weren’t even close to spec for the extra weight. Contractor said “should be fine,” but I pushed for an engineer—good thing, too, because the numbers didn’t add up. Snow load’s no joke around here. If you’re thinking about anything heavy up top, get someone who’ll actually run the calculations, not just eyeball it. Contractors are great, but sometimes they’re a little too optimistic for my taste.
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen folks blame the roof when it’s really attic air leaks causing the mess. Those can lights are sneaky—if they’re not sealed up, you get that “mystery stain” drama every winter. As for green roofs, I’m with you—way too many people skip the math and just trust a contractor’s gut. I’ve seen rafters bow under less. If you want to avoid expensive surprises, always get the structural numbers checked, especially with snow load in the mix. Eyeballing it just doesn’t cut it when gravity’s involved.
If you want to avoid expensive surprises, always get the structural numbers checked, especially with snow load in the mix. Eyeballing it just doesn’t cut it when gravity’s involved.
Couldn’t agree more—snow load calculations are non-negotiable, especially up north. I’ve seen “just trust me” turn into sagging joists after one bad winter. Also, folks underestimate how much heat loss through attic penetrations can drive ice damming. Even a couple unsealed can lights can cause a world of trouble. I’d add: vapor barriers and proper insulation matter just as much as the roof covering itself when you’re dealing with wild weather swings.
Even a couple unsealed can lights can cause a world of trouble.
That’s spot on—people always focus on the outside, but what’s happening in the attic is just as critical. I’ve seen “energy efficient” upgrades backfire when folks skip air sealing around fixtures or chase ways. And honestly, just slapping down more insulation doesn’t fix it if you’re still leaking warm air. One thing I’d add: check your roof venting. Poor ventilation can turn minor heat loss into major ice damming, especially after a heavy snow.
