Locate where the snow melts.
Inspect for:  adequate insulation and adequate ventilation and that the 
underside is cool, preferably the same temperature as the outside air.

If the insulation is disturbed, redistribute.

If there is limited outside ventilation, increase it...check your eave 
vents and/or gable vents, make sure they aren't painted closed, or 
clogged with insulation or other debris.

While you are there, examine the undeside of the sheathing and 
structure for water damage.  A few stains is no big deal, but mold or 
rot would indicate a regular leak and you need to address it.

Look for indications of past leaks.  Replace insulation that has been 
leaked on.  It may only loose its efficacy when it is wet, but if you 
have enough water to get your insulation wet, you are gonna be up there 
working for awhile anyway.  It'll be easier to work if you remove the 
insulation in the area you are working on.

You might want to get yourself a protometer...(I spell it wrong to 
entertain Bryan).  Use it to examine the structure of the roof and the 
walls.  Temperature needs to be above freezing for this.  Follow the 
water.

Find the problem.  Define the problem.  Solve the problem.  Hey, you 
could declare it "Not a Problem".  That's the easiest solution.

-jc

On Wednesday, February 26, 2003, at 05:14  PM, Ralph Walter wrote:

> In a message dated 2/26/2003 5:02:43 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
> [log in to unmask] writes:
>
> But Ralph's house is not a museum...yet.  And Ralph should do something
> that will make his house easier to maintain when it is a museum and his
> repair is a significant feature, worthy of preservation.
>
>
>
> I quite agree.  Now tell me what the hell to do.
>
> Ralph