Mohawk Valley Energy Solutions

10/16/2026

Traditional attic flooring can limit how much insulation fits beneath it, leaving your home less energy efficient.

Our Super Deck combines air sealing, insulation, 4 inches of SilverGlo rigid foam board (approximately R-20), and durable 19/32-inch OSB to create a sturdy storage platform while improving thermal performance.

Get the storage space you need without compromising your attic’s insulation.

📍 Utica, NY | Serving Oneida, Herkimer & Madison Counties
📞 315-631-1516

10/15/2026

In the main attic, we brought the blown-in insulation up to the top of the 2x10 joists. But we didn’t want the homeowner to lose her storage space again or sacrifice energy efficiency to get it back.

So we built our signature SuperDeck. We installed four inches of Superflow rigid foam board perpendicular across the joists, adding R20 of continuous insulation, then topped it with heavy-duty 19/32-inch OSB.

The result? A solid R49 attic insulation system and a clean, sturdy storage platform that allowed the homeowner to move her belongings out of the basement and back into the attic.

Now she has a more comfortable, energy-efficient attic with durable storage space designed to last.

▶️ Watch the full project on YouTube to see how we restored this attic and brought the storage space back.

10/13/2026

Now is the time to start thinking about what your attic may be telling you before the snow arrives.

Those large icicles hanging from a roof may look like a normal part of winter, but they can be a warning sign of heat loss, poor attic insulation, air leakage, and inadequate ventilation.

Here’s what can happen:

Warm air from your living space rises through gaps in the ceiling and into the attic. This is part of the stack effect. If the attic isn’t properly air sealed or insulated, that escaping heat can warm the underside of the roof.

Snow on the warmer portion of the roof begins to melt. The water then runs toward the colder roof edge, where it refreezes and gradually forms an ice dam.

As the ice builds up, additional melted water can become trapped behind it. That water may eventually work its way beneath roofing materials, increasing the risk of:

✅ Roof and shingle damage
✅ Water intrusion and ceiling stains
✅ Wet or damaged insulation
✅ Mold and moisture problems
✅ Large, hazardous icicles
✅ Higher heating costs from ongoing heat loss

The diagram also shows another important piece of the problem: attic airflow. A ridge vent works best when it has proper intake ventilation, typically through soffit vents. Without adequate intake airflow, the attic may not ventilate as effectively as intended.

The goal isn’t simply to remove the ice after it forms. The better approach is to address the conditions that contribute to it before winter arrives:

✔️ Air seal attic penetrations and ceiling gaps
✔️ Improve attic insulation
✔️ Maintain clear soffit-to-ridge ventilation
✔️ Identify areas of excessive heat loss
✔️ Correct attic problems before winter weather gets worse

If your home develops heavy icicles or recurring ice dams every winter, your attic may be telling you something.

📞 Call us: 315-631-1516
📍 Serving: Utica–Rome, Oneida County, Herkimer County & surrounding areas

10/10/2026

After the previous insulation work caused serious ventilation and ice damming issues, we stepped in to correct the problems properly. We completely cleared out the old contaminated insulation and squirrel debris from all three attics, then thoroughly air sealed the attic plane around the top plates, wire penetrations, plumbing pipes, chimney chase, and can lights.

We also installed proper baffles along the eaves to keep the soffits clear and restore the airflow needed to help prevent future ice dams.

In the main attic, we brought the blown-in insulation up to the top of the 2x10 joists. To restore the homeowner’s storage space without sacrificing energy efficiency, we built our signature Super Deck using four inches of SilverGlo rigid foam board and 19/32-inch OSB, creating an additional R20 of continuous insulation and a durable storage floor.

▶️ Watch the full project on YouTube to see how we transformed this attic and solved the problems left behind.

10/09/2026

The previous insulation work left behind dirty fiberglass in the tight addition attics, with new cellulose blown directly on top of it. The soffits were completely buried with insulation, and no ventilation baffles were installed. Without proper intake airflow, heat escaped from the home and contributed to severe ice damming that winter.

The ice buildup became so severe that it ripped the electrical service off the house and destroyed the outdoor railings. The storage floor was also removed and never replaced, leaving the homeowner without access to her attic storage.

We stepped in to do the job right. We completely cleared out the old contaminated insulation and squirrel debris from all three attics, then addressed the root cause of the ice damming by thoroughly air sealing the attic plane, including the top plates, wire penetrations, plumbing pipes, chimney chase, and recessed lighting.

▶️ Watch the full project on YouTube to see what went wrong and how we corrected it.

10/06/2026

Winter problems like the ice buildup in this photo usually begin long before the first major snowfall.

Ice dams form when heat escapes from the living space into the attic, warming the roof and melting the snow above. That melted snow then travels down toward the colder roof edge, where it refreezes and creates layers of ice. Over time, this can lead to heavy icicles, water backing up beneath shingles, roof damage, and even moisture problems inside the home.

The best time to address the cause is before winter arrives, not after the ice has already formed.

Preparing your attic now can help reduce the conditions that contribute to ice dams:
✅ Improve attic insulation to slow heat loss from your home
✅ Air seal gaps and penetrations where warm air can leak into the attic
✅ Check soffit and roof ventilation to maintain proper airflow
✅ Identify weak or under-insulated areas before freezing temperatures arrive
✅ Correct moisture and airflow problems early before they become costly winter repairs

Ice dams aren’t just a roof problem, they can be a sign that your home is losing heat through the attic. A properly insulated, air-sealed, and ventilated attic can help keep your roof colder and more consistent during winter while also improving your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

Don’t wait until you’re looking at thick ice and large icicles hanging from your roof. Prepare now while there’s still time to correct the underlying problem.

📞 Call us: 315-631-1516
📍 Serving Utica–Rome, NY | Oneida County | Herkimer County & surrounding areas

10/02/2026

When squirrels invaded this attic, the homeowner called a local pest control company to remove the contaminated insulation. Unfortunately, the work left behind a new set of problems, including hundreds of black walnuts, old fiberglass insulation, blocked soffit vents, no ventilation baffles, and no proper air sealing. The result? Severe ice damming that caused significant damage to the home.

We stepped in to completely remove the contaminated insulation and debris, correct the ventilation and air-sealing issues, improve the insulation, and restore the attic storage space. This project shows why proper attic insulation involves much more than simply adding insulation.

▶️ Watch the full project on YouTube to see what we found and how we corrected it.

10/01/2026

A squirrel problem became a much bigger attic problem.

See how we fixed the insulation issues, ventilation problems, and severe ice damming in this New Hartford attic.

Watch the full project:

When squirrels invaded this New Hartford, NY attic, the homeowner c...

09/29/2026

We’re excited to welcome Sean as our Technician Assistant!

Sean is expanding his knowledge in the home performance field while assisting with energy efficiency projects and gaining hands-on experience in the field. With years of experience in computer science, Sean brings a unique set of skills and a strong willingness to learn to his role. He and his family live in Clinton, New York.

We’re glad to have Sean on the team and look forward to seeing him continue to grow with us! 🧑‍🔧

09/24/2026

What happens to the electrical junction boxes in your attic after new insulation is installed?

Once an attic is insulated, junction boxes and electrical connections can become difficult to locate, especially when they’re covered by several inches of loose-fill insulation. That can make future electrical troubleshooting, repairs, or modifications much more time-consuming.

That’s why we use simple wooden garden stakes to mark the location of junction boxes before they’re covered with insulation. Each stake points directly to the box, creating a visible reference for anyone who may need to access it in the future.

It’s a small detail, but planning ahead during an insulation project can make future electrical work much easier and help prevent unnecessary searching through the insulation.

Good attic work isn’t just about adding insulation, it’s also about thinking ahead.

📍 Serving Utica–Rome, NY | Oneida & Herkimer Counties
📞 315-631-1516